On Monday, March 31, Kevin A. Batts, a 59-year-old staff member for Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police for carrying a pistol without a license on Capitol grounds.
Batts, a retired Newark police officer serving as a special assistant to Senator Booker, was apprehended outside the Senate Galleries after informing officers he was armed. Capitol Police emphasized that all weapons are prohibited on Capitol grounds, regardless of permits from other jurisdictions or prior law enforcement status.
The incident occurred shortly before Senator Booker commenced a prolonged speech on the Senate floor, which began around 7 p.m. and extended for over 19 hours. This marathon address was aimed at protesting President Donald Trump’s policies. Despite the arrest of his staffer, Senator Booker continued his speech uninterrupted.
Capitol Police released the following statement today:
“Yesterday afternoon, a Member of Congress led an ID’ed staff member around security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building. Later that evening, outside the Senate Galleries, the IDed staff member — who is a retired law enforcement officer — told our officers he was armed. The staff member, 59-year-old Kevin A. Batts of New Jersey, was arrested for Carrying a Pistol Without a License. All weapons are prohibited from Capitol Grounds, even if you are a retired law enforcement officer, or have a permit to carry in another state or the District of Columbia.”
Senator Booker’s office employs Batts as a New Jersey-based driver who often accompanies him to events. The office is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
