Michael Hopkins, the 38-year-old communications director for Democratic Representative Joe Morelle of New York, was fired after being arrested for allegedly attempting to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building.
According to a statement from Rep. Morelle’s Chief of Staff, Jo Stiles, the termination was effective immediately following the incident.
U.S. Capitol Police reported that Hopkins entered the building on Monday morning and placed his bag through security screening, where officers noticed ammunition on the x-ray. A subsequent search revealed four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds. Hopkins claimed he had forgotten the items were in his bag.
Hopkins is now facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including possession of a high-capacity magazine.
Rep. Morelle’s office stated it was initially gathering information about the arrest but emphasized the congressman’s commitment to workplace safety as the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration.
