Congressional staffer arrested at US Capitol with ammunition, police say

By Bo Erickson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A staffer for a U.S. House of Representatives Democrat was arrested at the Capitol on Monday when a regular security check turned up ammunition in his bag, the Capitol Police said.

The police identified the staffer as Michael Hopkins, who worked 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.

Morelle's chief of staff, Jo Stiles, said in a statement that Hopkins was "no longer employed" by the office.

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," Stiles said in a statement.

(Reporting by Bo Erickson; Editing by Scott Malone, Jonathan Oatis and Marguerita Choy)

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