A former communications director for Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., was terminated after being apprehended for attempting to bring ammunition into the Cannon House Office Building. Michael Hopkins, 38, was arrested Monday morning by U.S. Capitol Police after security screening revealed the presence of ammunition in his bag.

The Capitol Police reported that the incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. An x-ray scan of Hopkins' bag flagged suspicious items, which upon further inspection were identified as four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds. Hopkins allegedly claimed he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag.

Michael Hopkins, during an interview with Fox5 DC. (Fox5 DC)

Rep. Joe Morelle during a House Rules Committee hearing, Dec. 17, 2019. (Jason Andrew/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Hopkins is now facing charges related to unlawful possession of ammunition, including possession of a high-capacity magazine. Rep. Morelle's office swiftly responded to the incident, stating that Hopkins was no longer employed by their office, effective immediately. Prior to the dismissal, the office had stated they were collecting further information about the arrest, emphasizing Rep. Morelle's commitment to workplace safety as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration.

Rep. Joe Morelle speaks during a House Administration Committee hearing in March 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)