House Democratic Staffer Arrested for Carrying Ammunition to Capitol

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • Michael Hopkins, 38, a communications director for US Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), was arrested Monday after he was found in possession of ammunition while attempting to enter the US Capitol's Cannon House Office Building.[1][2]
  • Capitol Police said they discovered four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds of ammunition during an X-ray screening of Hopkins' bag, leading to his immediate arrest.[3][4][5]
  • Hopkins faces charges of unlawful possession of ammunition — including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine — despite claiming he forgot the ammunition was in his bag.[5][6]
  • Morelle's office immediately terminated Hopkins' employment and committed to fully cooperating with the investigation.[1][7]
  • This marks the second time in three years that a congressional staffer has been arrested for possessing ammunition at the Capitol, including a 2021 incident involving a loaded handgun and a 12-minute police search for the staffer.[1][8]
  • The District of Columbia has strict gun laws, including a 10-round limit on gun magazines and a complete ban on firearms anywhere on the Capitol premises.[7]

Sources: [1]Axios, [2]FOX News, [3]POLITICO, [4]New York Post, [5]CNN, [6]Daily Wire, [7]Daily Mail and [8]Roll Call.

Narratives

  • Republican narrative, as provided by PJ Media. This arrest is ironic because Hopkins works for an anti-gun Democrat in an anti-gun city run by Democrats. It's refreshing to see a Democrat facing the consequences of rampant hypocrisy. Unfortunately, a Republican staffer bringing a gun into the Capitol would be facing more scrutiny because of the media's liberal leanings.
  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Giffords Law Center. This isn't a case of political hypocrisy, it's a situation that proves gun laws and basic safety protocols apply to everyone. Having firearms in public spaces — including federal buildings and polling places — is dangerous, and the police should be applauded for catching this staffer red-handed. There's nothing wrong with transparent and strong laws to support public safety.