A staffer for U.S. Representative Joe Morrell has been charged by U.S. Capitol Police with carrying illegal ammunition on Capitol grounds, authorities announced Monday morning. The employee subsequently lost his job.
Capitol Police said in a statement that Michael Hopkins, 38, entered the Cannon House office building and had his bag searched, where authorities detected what appeared to be ammunition through X-rays.
A manual search revealed four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds of ammunition.
He was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, including a charge of possession of a large capacity magazine. Hopkins told authorities he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag.
Hopkins is no longer employed by Morrell’s office, according to a statement released Monday afternoon by Joe Stiles, Morrell’s chief of staff.
Congressman Morrell represents New York’s 25th Congressional District, which includes all of Monroe County and portions of northwestern Ontario County, including Victor.
“My office will fully cooperate with the investigation,” Stiles said in a statement. “As the ranking member of the House Administration Committee, Congressman Morrell is committed to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for everyone. I’m dedicated,” he said.
