Washington, D.C. breaking news: Capitol Police arrested a Democrat staffer Monday morning after he tried to bring multiple magazines and rounds into the Cannon House Office Building.

Michael Hopkins is the Communications Director for Rep. Joe Morelle. Morelle is a Democrat from New York who represents the 25th Congressional District. He’s also the current ranking member on the House Administration Committee.

Capitol Police released the following statement regarding Hopkins’ arrest:

A House staffer put his bag under screening at approximately 8:45 am. USCP officers noticed that what looked like ammunition was on the X-ray screen. Officers found 11 rounds of ammunition and four magazines of ammunition after searching the bag by hand. The employee told officers that he had forgotten the ammunition in the bag. Michael Hopkins, 38, was arrested and faces charges of unlawful possession of ammunition. He also faces a charge of possession of a large-capacity magazine.

In the hours following the arrest, a few new details have surfaced. According to one source:

  • Capitol Police found 11 rounds and four magazines in Hopkins’ bag when it was scanned by an X-ray, according to a spokesperson.
  • Hopkins “told officers that he had forgotten the ammunition in the bag”, the spokesperson said.
  • He is facing charges of unlawful ammunition possession, including a charge of possession of a magazine with a large capacity.

Jo Stiles released a short statement about the issue.

“This morning, our office received a call from Capitol Police informing us that one of our employees was arrested. We are gathering information about the circumstances surrounding the arrest. “Our office is committed to fully cooperating with the investigations.”

Ironically, Michael Hopkins’s member is an outspoken gun control advocate. Rep. Morelle co-sponsored eleven bills to restrict access to guns. He has also spoken out for red flag laws that allow family members or law enforcement to take firearms away from people deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Here is the campaign website for Morelle:

Gun violence continues to terrorize our nation. The fear of mass shootings is a constant in our lives. We are afraid to go grocery shopping, attend concerts, or even just to school. Our streets and neighborhoods are plagued by gun trafficking, violence, and criminals using illegal weapons. Joe’s top priority is to pass and enforce common-sense reform laws on guns that will protect innocent Americans.

Joe, since being elected to Congress has co-sponsored and authored legislation that takes important steps to ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, implement universal background checks for all gun sales, and keep illegal firearms off our streets.

Rep. Morelle’s recent tweet confirms his desire to limit the Second Amendment.