Michael Hopkins, a 38-year-old staffer for Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), was arrested Monday morning after allegedly attempting to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. Capitol Police discovered four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition in his bag during a routine screening. Hopkins claimed he “forgot” the items were in his possession.
The Capitol Police issued a statement describing the incident:
“At approximately 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening. USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the X-ray screen. After a hand search of the bag, officers found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition. The staffer told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag.”
Rep. Morelle’s office also released a statement expressing their commitment to workplace safety and noting they were gathering more details about the situation. Hopkins has been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, including a charge related to possession of a high-capacity magazine.
The arrest has sparked fresh scrutiny over alleged double standards in the enforcement of laws. Critics have pointed out the timing of the incident, coinciding with discussions surrounding President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. Speculation about whether Hopkins might also receive a pardon has already surfaced, though no indication of such action has been made.
The incident highlights what some see as hypocrisy in the Democratic Party’s stance on firearms and ammunition. Critics argue that while Democrats often advocate for stricter gun control measures, they seem willing to ignore or downplay legal violations within their own ranks.
Interestingly, Hopkins has had a history of public political commentary, including appearances on FOX 5 DC to discuss GOP debates and Trump-related trials. His arrest adds another layer of controversy to an already charged political climate surrounding firearm regulations and accountability.
