By Bo Erickson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A staffer for a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives was arrested at the Capitol on Monday when a regular security check turned up ammunition in his bag, the Capitol Police said in a statement.
The police identified the staffer as Michael Hopkins, who works for Representative Joe Morelle, who represents an upstate New York district. Hopkins was found with four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds, police said. No gun was recovered.
Hopkins could not be reached for immediate comment. The Capitol Police said in the statement that he told officers that he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag.
He is now facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine.
“Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all,” Jo Stiles, the congressman’s chief of staff, said in a statement. “We are currently gathering more information regarding the circumstances of the arrest. Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation.”
(Reporting by Bo Erickson; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
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