A Cory Booker Staffer Was Arrested for Carrying a Gun on Capitol Grounds, Police Said

A staffer for Sen. Cory Booker was arrested Monday by U.S. Capitol Police for carrying a pistol on Capitol grounds without a license, police said.

The staffer, whose name is Kevin A. Batts, is listed on Legistorm as being a special assistant for the New Jersey senator. Police said he was arrested at the Capitol on Monday after failing to go through security.

“Yesterday afternoon a Member of Congress led an IDed staff member around security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building,” Capitol Police said in a statement on Tuesday. “Later that evening, outside the Senate Galleries, the IDed staff member -- who is a retired law enforcement officer -- told our officers he was armed.”

Police said Batts 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,” police added.

NOTUS spotted the staffer being arrested around 6:29 p.m. ET on Monday. He was handcuffed and placed in the backseat of a USCP vehicle outside the Senate-side of the Capitol.

“Senator 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,” said Jeff Giertz, a spokesperson for Senator Booker.

Shortly after the arrest, Booker began a speech on the floor that is still ongoing in protest of President Donald Trump’s agenda.

—
Ursula Perano and Daniella Diaz are reporters at NOTUS.