Cory Booker Staffer Arrested for Allegedly Carrying Unlicensed Gun in Capitol Building

A significant security breach took place at the U.S. Capitol when a congressional staffer was arrested for carrying an unlicensed firearm after being escorted into the building by a member of Congress, according to police.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when Kevin A. Batts, 59, a staff member for New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker (D), was escorted past Capitol security at the Hart Senate Office Building by a member of Congress, according to Fox News. Batts, a retired law enforcement officer with extensive experience, later admitted to Capitol Police that he was carrying a firearm.

Despite his background, Capitol Police reaffirmed that “all weapons are prohibited from Capitol Grounds,” regardless of the carrier’s law enforcement status or permit to carry in other areas.

Capitol Police promptly arrested Batts, who had been working as a special assistant for Booker. The staffer’s arrest stems from violating the Capitol’s strict no-weapons policy, which applies even to retired law enforcement officers or individuals with permits from other states or jurisdictions like the District of Columbia.

This marks the second known incident this month involving a weapon on Capitol grounds, as previously highlighted by Resist the Mainstream. The first incident, which also raised questions about Capitol security, involved a House staffer bringing in a gun on the day when President Trump gave his State of the Union address.