Authorities recently took a congressional aide linked to Senator Cory Booker into custody.
According to Fox News, Authorities arrested Kevin A. Batts after he and Senator Booker bypassed a standard security screening at the U.S. Capitol.
On a late Monday evening, Senator Cory Booker and his aide, Kevin A. Batts, navigated the corridors of the Hart Senate Office Building. Notably, they bypassed the usual security checkpoint managed by the U.S. Capitol Police.
It was outside the Senate Galleries that Batts disclosed to Capitol Police officers his possession of a firearm. He was then arrested for lacking a valid license necessary for carrying a pistol.
Capitol rules are stringent with no allowances for firearms on the premises, a policy applying universally regardless of one's former law enforcement role or permits from other states. Kevin Batts, in this instance, could not leverage his background as a retired Newark police detective to mitigate the situation.
Kevin A. Batts is not only Senator Booker’s special assistant but also a key member of his staff since 2013, having earlier been part of Booker's electoral detail during his tenure as Mayor of Newark. Moreover, Booker, in various public statements, has lauded Batts for his unwavering loyalty and significant dedication to both Newark and New Jersey. In addition, Batts's career includes extensive experience in law enforcement and personal security. He served as a detective in Newark's police force after a six-year tenure in the United States Army Reserves.
To provide context, Senator Booker was, at that time, making one of the longest speeches in the U.S. Senate's history, focused on setting a new record for the longest speech. Through this effort, he intended to draw extensive attention to a critical legislative issue.
The United States Capitol Police issued a statement addressing the breach: "Yesterday afternoon, a Member of Congress led an ID'ed staff member around security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building."
They added, "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."
Furthermore, Jeff Giertz, a spokesperson for Senator Booker, commented on the occurrence, stating, "Sen. Booker’s office employs a retired Newark police detective as a New Jersey-based driver who often accompanies him to events. We are working to better understand the circumstances around this."
Senator Cory Booker has often spoken fondly of Batts, emphasizing his role not merely as an employee but as a dear friend. For instance, in a 2017 commencement speech at the University of Pennsylvania, Booker shared a personal anecdote involving Batts, underscoring their close relationship.
Meanwhile, in recent years, there have been a string of security oversights at the Capitol, with this event marking yet another lapse in protocol. As a result, the arrest has prompted discussions on the Capitol's security measures and the enforcement of its stringent no-firearm policy, highlighting the need for adherence to security protocols regardless of personal associations or past law enforcement experience.
Looking ahead, Batts' arraignment will shed more light on the circumstances of this particular incident and might influence future protocols on Capitol security.
