A communications director for a Democratic congressman from an upstate state was arrested Monday morning as he tried to bring four ammunition magazines into the U.S. House of Representatives building, according to officials and news reports.
Joe Stiles, chief of staff to Representative Joe Morrell, told the Post in a statement: “This morning, my office received notification that a staff member had been arrested by the Capitol Police.” The agency is still gathering information about the incident, it added. Arrested.
The employee was identified by Axios As Michael Hopkins, 38, communications director at Morel.
A Capitol Police official told the magazine that Capitol Police examined Hopkins' bag with an X-ray machine and discovered four ammunition magazines.
“He is charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, including possession of a large capacity magazine,” the agent said.
Hopkins “told officers he forgot he had ammunition in his bag,” the deputy added.
Capitol Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post.
Morell's office will “fully cooperate with the investigation,” the chief of staff added.
“As the ranking member of the House Administration Committee, Rep. Morrell is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for everyone,” Stiles said in a statement.
Morrell, a former state representative who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, represents parts of Western New York, including parts of Monroe and Orleans counties, centered on the city of Rochester.
He is the highest-ranking Democrat on the administration committee, and made headlines over the summer when he and three other House Democratic leaders called on President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
Morrell, along with Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), are leading the charge for Biden's victory over former President Donald Trump. He urged him to resign, citing concerns that he might not be able to do so. , who will win the election.
