WASHINGTON, D.C. — A House staffer was arrested on the morning of December 2, 2024, after United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers discovered ammunition and “high-capacity magazines” in his bag during routine security screening at the Cannon House Office Building.
According to a statement from USCP, the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. when 38-year-old Michael Hopkins, a staffer for Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), placed his bag on the x-ray screening conveyor belt. Security officers spotted what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen. Upon conducting a hand search, officers found four ammunition magazines—one of which was high-capacity—and eleven rounds of ammunition.
Hopkins reportedly told officers he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag. However, he was promptly arrested and now faces charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one count for possessing a high-capacity magazine.
The arrest underscores the strict regulations in Washington, D.C., which prohibit the possession of ammunition and firearm components without proper licensing. This is especially critical in federal buildings where heightened security measures are in place.
Staying Accountable with Firearms and Ammunition
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining strict accountability over firearms, ammunition, and related accessories. For lawful gun owners, especially those who frequently travel or work in environments with strict gun control laws, ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations is essential.
As a responsible gun owner and someone who flies nearly every week, I’ve developed some habits to make sure I avoid situations like this. For example, I have specific bags that I use for my EDC gear, which might occasionally hold an extra mag or even a firearm if I’m carrying off-body. To be safe, I never take those bags with me when flying, just in case I forget to remove something. Even with that precaution, I still make it a point to go through my travel bag before leaving—every pocket, every zipper—just to be absolutely sure there’s nothing in there that shouldn’t be. The last thing I want is to get stopped at TSA because I accidentally left a magazine or a few loose rounds of ammo in my bag. Taking a few extra minutes to check can save you a world of trouble.
Even a simple oversight, such as forgetting a single round of ammunition, can result in severe legal consequences, as seen in Hopkins’ case. While the situation appears to have been accidental, the law rarely allows for leniency in such matters.
For those who exercise their Second Amendment rights, taking the extra time to double-check and organize your gear can prevent not only legal headaches but also ensure you remain a positive representative of responsible gun ownership.
I somehow left a single cartridge in a camera bag, which I took on vacation. TSA found it on X-ray, but could hardly find in- it was wedged into a seam in the bag. They were nice about it, and I wasn’t delayed in boarding, but if I’d been in New Jersey, that hollowpoint could have landed me in jail.