Capitol Police on Tuesday told The National News Desk (TNND) officers arrested a staffer of Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., for allegedly carrying a pistol in the Capitol.
A spokesperson said Kevin Batts, 59, had bypassed security by being escorted into the Hart Senate Office Building by Sen. Booker. Batts, a retired law enforcement officer, later allegedly informed Capitol Police officers he was armed.
He was then arrested for Carrying a Pistol Without a License, police said.
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,” a spokesperson wrote via email.
Sen. Booker’s office did not respond to TNND’s request for comment about the arrest sent via email Tuesday.
Batts is listed on Legistorm as a “special assistant” who has worked for Sen. Booker’s office since 2013. The senator in 2016 honored Batts in a post via Instagram.
“Kevin Batts has been a friend and team member since 2006 when I became mayor and even before,” Sen. Booker wrote. “I so deeply appreciate his steadfast friendship, incredible dedication to Newark and now his service to the state.”
“In 2006, he joined my security detail as a member of Newark’s executive protection unit. In 2013 he joined my Senate staff,” the senator added. “I am truly blessed by his friendship and loyal hard work.”
The incident follows Sen. Booker’s marathon speech on the Senate floor in protest of President Donald Trump. That address lasted over 12 hours.
