A significant security breach took place at the U.S. Capitol when a congressional staffer was arrested for carrying an unlicensed firearm after being escorted into the building by a member of Congress, according to police.Â
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when Kevin A. Batts, 59, a staff member for New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker (D), was escorted past Capitol security at the Hart Senate Office Building by a member of Congress, according to Fox News. Batts, a retired law enforcement officer with extensive experience, later admitted to Capitol Police that he was carrying a firearm.Â
Despite his background, Capitol Police reaffirmed that “all weapons are prohibited from Capitol Grounds,” regardless of the carrier’s law enforcement status or permit to carry in other areas.
Capitol Police promptly arrested Batts, who had been working as a special assistant for Booker. The staffer’s arrest stems from violating the Capitol’s strict no-weapons policy, which applies even to retired law enforcement officers or individuals with permits from other states or jurisdictions like the District of Columbia.
This marks the second known incident this month involving a weapon on Capitol grounds, as previously highlighted by Resist the Mainstream. The first incident, which also raised questions about Capitol security, involved a House staffer bringing in a gun on the day when President Trump gave his State of the Union address.
Batts’ background is well-known to those familiar with Booker’s office. He has served in multiple capacities for the senator, including as a driver at events across the state of New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
According to Legistorm, a service that tracks congressional staffers, Batts has been with Booker since the senator’s tenure as Newark’s mayor, and his loyalty has been emphasized by Booker himself in various public posts, per Fox News.
In a 2016 Instagram post, Booker referred to Batts as a “friend and team member” since 2006. Booker expressed deep gratitude for Batts’ service, particularly noting his commitment to both the Newark Police Department, where Batts served as a detective, and his dedicated role as part of Booker’s security detail.
Batts had previously worked in the Newark Police Department and joined the senator’s security detail in 2006.
His long-standing relationship with Booker has been further highlighted by social media videos and speeches, where Booker emphasized the strength of their friendship and the significant role Batts has played in the senator’s political career.
After Batts’ arrest, a spokesperson for Booker issued a statement to Fox News, confirming that Batts often traveled with Booker as a driver, especially during in-state events. The senator’s office indicated that they are working to better understand the circumstances that led to the arrest.Â
Despite the situation, Booker’s office did not release further details on how Batts managed to bypass security.
In a 2017 commencement speech at the University of Pennsylvania, Booker referenced Batts’ role in his life and career, further showcasing their close bond. He praised Batts not only for his service in law enforcement but also for his continued commitment to Booker’s public service efforts.
Booker has consistently acknowledged Batts as a valuable member of his team and has credited him for his dedication to the people of Newark and New Jersey.
While Batts’ arrest has prompted an internal review of security measures at the Capitol, it comes at a time when Booker is also in the headlines for breaking records with one of the longest speeches in Senate history. As of now, Booker’s ongoing speech has surpassed 18 hours, putting him on track to break the current record held by Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC), who spoke for over 24 hours in 1957.
As the investigation into Batts’ arrest continues, the incident sheds light on the complexities of security enforcement at the Capitol and the challenges lawmakers face in navigating the rules, especially when it comes to trusted staffers and individuals with significant law enforcement backgrounds.
