A high-ranking staff member working for Senator Cory Booker found himself in legal trouble during a security breach at the U.S. Capitol.
According to Fox News, Kevin A. Batts, a 59-year-old special assistant to Senator Booker, was arrested on Monday after being discovered carrying a pistol without a license when he bypassed security screening at the Capitol with the help of the New Jersey Democrat.
The incident unfolded when Booker personally escorted Batts around a U.S. Capitol Police security checkpoint, circumventing mandatory screening procedures. Later that evening, Batts, who identified himself as a retired law enforcement officer, informed Capitol Police officers near the Senate Galleries that he was armed, leading to his immediate arrest.
The connection between Senator Booker and Kevin Batts spans nearly two decades of professional collaboration. Batts, who grew up in Newark's Columbus Homes projects, joined Booker's team in 2006 when the senator served as mayor of Newark. Prior to his role with Booker, Batts spent six years in the United States Army reserves before joining the Newark Police Department.
Booker's office acknowledged the incident through spokesperson Jeff Giertz, who explained that Batts serves as the senator's New Jersey-based driver. The statement emphasized Batts' background as a retired Newark police detective who frequently accompanies the senator to various events.
Social media posts from 2016 reveal Booker's high regard for Batts, highlighting their enduring professional relationship. The senator has publicly praised Batts' dedication to Newark and service to the state on multiple occasions.
The security breach raises concerns about adherence to Capitol security measures, particularly regarding the screening of congressional staff members. Capitol Police regulations explicitly prohibit weapons on Capitol grounds, regardless of an individual's status as a retired law enforcement officer or possession of permits from other jurisdictions.
This incident marks one of several recent cases where proper security protocols appear to have been overlooked. The Capitol Police's statement emphasized that all individuals, including those accompanied by members of Congress, must undergo security screening.
Current security measures require Capitol Police officers to inspect all aides and visitors at checkpoints, even when accompanied by congressional members. The breach of these protocols has prompted discussions about potential security vulnerabilities within the Capitol complex.
The arrest coincided with Senator Booker's record-breaking floor speech, which began Monday night. The New Jersey Democrat has now secured the fourth-longest speaking time in Senate history, surpassing Senator Robert La Follette's 18-hour and 23-minute record from 1908.
Booker's marathon speech continues as he approaches the next milestone: Senator Ted Cruz's 21-hour and 19-minute speech against Obamacare in 2013. The all-time record belongs to Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957.
If Booker maintains his speaking marathon, he could potentially break Thurmond's long-standing record by Tuesday evening around 7:19 PM Eastern time.
Kevin A. Batts, a trusted aide with extensive law enforcement experience, faces charges of carrying a pistol without a license following his arrest at the U.S. Capitol. The incident occurred when Senator Booker circumvented standard security protocols by escorting Batts around a mandatory checkpoint, leading to the discovery of an unauthorized firearm. As Capitol Police investigate the security breach, questions arise about the enforcement of weapons restrictions and screening procedures within the complex, even for those with law enforcement backgrounds.
