Senior US congressional aide arrested for carrying ammunition bag into Capitol

On December 2 (DC time), Capitol Hill police arrested Mr. Michael Hopkins, Communications Director of the number two position of the US House Administration Committee, Congressman Joe Morelle, for bringing ammunition into the US Capitol building.

Capitol in Washington DC, the capital of the United States

Capitol Hill Police in Washington, DC (USA) said they arrested Mr. Hopkins, 38 years old, on the morning of December 2 (local time) after he entered the lower house area of the Capitol with 4 magazines and 11 bullets in his bag, CNN reported.

Mr. Hopkins said he left for work with ammunition in his pocket when he entered the office. The ammunition was initially discovered during a routine security check and confirmed again during a hand search.

Mr. Hopkins, the communications director for Rep. Joe Morelle, was arrested on the spot for bringing ammunition into the US Capitol building. He faces charges of illegal possession of ammunition, including one charge of possessing a high-capacity magazine.

After learning the news, Jo Stiles, chief of staff to MP Joe Morelle, said Mr Hopkins had been fired with immediate effect.

"We are currently gathering more information about the incident. Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation," said Chief Stiles.

Congressman Morelle is the number two person on the House Administration Committee, after the Chairman of the Committee, which is responsible for overseeing federal elections and the day-to-day operations of the House.

In 2023, Mr. Hopkins participated in FOX 5's program about the race for the Republican Party's nomination for President of the United States in 2024. He also appeared in other American media programs.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tro-ly-nghi-si-my-cap-cao-bi-bat-vi-mang-tui-dan-vao-dien-capitol-185241203113510126.htm