A longtime staffer for Democrat Senator Cory Booker is facing criminal charges after allegedly bringing a firearm into the U.S. Capitol complex — bypassing security with help from a sitting member of Congress.
Arrest Raises Alarming Security Questions
Kevin A. Batts, 59, of New Jersey, was arrested Monday evening for allegedly carrying a pistol without a license on Capitol grounds. The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) confirmed the arrest Tuesday, saying Batts — who is listed as a Special Assistant to Sen. Booker — was escorted around security screening by a member of Congress at the Hart Senate Office Building earlier in the day.
“Later that evening, outside the Senate Galleries, the ID’ed staff member — who is a retired law enforcement officer — told our officers he was armed,” the department said in a public statement.
The USCP emphasized that all firearms are banned from Capitol grounds, even for retired officers or licensed gun owners.
Who Is Kevin A. Batts?
Batts served as a law enforcement officer before joining Booker’s team. According to LegiStorm, a nonpartisan research firm tracking Capitol Hill staff, Batts currently holds the title of Special Assistant to Sen. Booker.
Despite his law enforcement background, carrying a pistol into a federal building without the proper Capitol-specific clearance is illegal — a law that applies equally to members of the public and government insiders.
“He should have known better,” said one retired Capitol Police officer who requested anonymity. “There’s zero tolerance for weapons here. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you work for.”
Booker’s Office Silent
As of Tuesday afternoon, Senator Cory Booker’s office had not issued a public response.
The arrest comes just weeks after Booker delivered a fiery speech attacking former President Donald Trump, claiming the 45th president had “inflicted so much harm” on the country. The timing has raised eyebrows among political observers.
“Booker’s quick to point fingers at Trump supporters,” said political analyst Jordan Hensley, “but now one of his own staffers is walking around the Capitol with a gun. Where’s the accountability?”
Republicans Demand Answers
GOP lawmakers are now pressing for more details about how Batts was allowed to bypass security in the first place — and which member of Congress helped him do it.
“If this had been a Republican staffer, we’d be hearing calls for resignation already,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). “The double standard is sickening.”
No charges have been announced against the member of Congress who allegedly escorted Batts past security, but Capitol Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Gun Laws on Capitol Hill
The Capitol is under strict gun control regulations. Even holders of concealed carry permits from D.C. or other states are not permitted to bring firearms into congressional buildings.
Violations can lead to arrest, revocation of security clearances, and termination of employment.
“This isn’t about politics — it’s about public safety,” said a Capitol Police spokesperson. “The law applies to everyone.”
Conclusion
As Washington reels from the latest security lapse, questions remain unanswered: Why did a sitting member of Congress bypass protocol? Why did a trained former officer bring a weapon inside a gun-free zone? And will Cory Booker break his silence?
Until then, one thing is clear — the rules aren’t just for the other side.
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No one is above the Law !!!???