A congressional aide to Senator Cory Booker was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon at the U.S. Capitol for possessing an unlicensed firearm. Kevin A. Batts, 59, a retired law enforcement officer and special assistant to the New Jersey Democrat, was escorted into the Hart Senate Office Building by a member of Congress bypassing standard security measures, only to be detained later by Capitol Police.
The arrest took place against the backdrop of stringent security protocols which unequivocally prohibit weapons on Capitol grounds. This rule applies to all individuals, including those like Batts who have prior experience in law enforcement and may have the authorization to carry firearms in other jurisdictions.
Kevin Batts' affiliation with Senator Booker traces back to the senator's days as the Mayor of Newark, as detailed by Legistorm and various public statements by Booker. Over the years, Batts has served in multiple roles, including as a driver and a member of Booker's security detail for events in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. His commitment to Booker's office and to law enforcement was recognized in a heartfelt 2016 Instagram post from the senator, wherein he called Batts a "friend and team member" since 2006.
The recent incident has prompted an internal review of security measures at the Capitol and highlights the challenges of enforcing strict protocols, even with trusted individuals who have law enforcement backgrounds. It comes during a time when Capitol security is under close scrutiny, following another incident earlier in the month involving a weapon on Capitol grounds and a high-profile speech by Senator Booker that has been making headlines.
Following Batts' arrest, Booker's office released a statement confirming his role as a driver for the senator and indicated they are seeking to understand the circumstances leading to the incident. However, they have not provided details on how Batts was able to circumvent standard security checks.
The event raises questions about the efficacy of current Capitol security protocols and the balance between safety and accessibility. As the investigation continues, Capitol Police are likely to reassess procedures to prevent future breaches of this nature.
