Overview

• Kevin A. Batts, a 59-year-old staffer for Senator Cory Booker, was arrested Monday evening for carrying a pistol without a license on Capitol grounds.
• Batts, a retired Newark police detective, was escorted around security screening at the Senate Office Building by a Member of Congress earlier that day.
• Capitol Police confirmed that carrying firearms on Capitol grounds is a federal offense, even for retired law enforcement officers with permits from other jurisdictions.
• The arrest occurred shortly before Booker began a marathon speech protesting President Trump’s agenda, which has now surpassed 17 hours.
• Booker’s office stated they are working to understand the circumstances surrounding the arrest and highlighted Batts’ longstanding role as a trusted aide since Booker’s tenure as Newark mayor.