A staffer for U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle was charged by the U.S. Capitol Police for carrying unlawful ammunition on Capitol grounds, authorities said Monday morning.
Capitol Police said in a statement that Michael Hopkins, 38, entered the Cannon House Office building and put his bag through screening, where authorities detected what appeared to be ammunition on the X-ray screen.
A hand search found four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds of ammunition.
He was charged for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine. Hopkins told authorities he forgot the ammunition was in the bag.
Rep. Morelle represents New York’s 25th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Monroe County and parts of northwestern Ontario County, including Victor.
“Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation. As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all,” Jo Stiles, Morelle’s chief of staff, said in a statement.