Capitol Police arrested a staff member for Democratic Senator Cory Booker after bypassing security with the help of a Congressional escort and carrying an unlicensed firearm. The alarming security breach occurred while Booker delivered a marathon anti-Trump speech on the Senate floor, raising serious questions about Capitol security protocols in an era of increasing political tensions.
Democrat Staffer Arrested with Gun During Booker’s Anti-Trump Speech
Kevin Batts, who has served as a special assistant to Senator Booker since 2013, was taken into custody by Capitol Police after admitting he was armed while inside the Capitol building. The retired law enforcement officer circumvented mandatory security screening when a Member of Congress personally escorted him around checkpoints at the Hart Senate Office Building.
BOMBSHELL!!!
Right before Democrat Sen. Cory Booker began his 24-hour rant/protest against President Trump, one of his staff members was busy getting arrested by Capitol Police for firearm possession without a license:
"Yesterday afternoon a Member of Congress led an IDed staff… pic.twitter.com/OxzINQgIMi
— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) April 2, 2025
Capitol Police issued a clear statement emphasizing that weapons are prohibited on Capitol grounds regardless of permits or retired law enforcement status. “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,” the statement declared, shutting down any potential justification for the serious security violation.
Pattern of Security Failures Threatens Congressional Safety
This alarming incident is not isolated but part of a troubling pattern of security breakdowns at the Capitol complex in recent months. A staffer for Republican Representative Andy Ogles was similarly arrested for bringing a gun to the Capitol, highlighting how vulnerable our nation’s legislative headquarters remains despite enhanced security measures implemented after January 6, 2021.
Maybe someone should ask him about his staffer, Kevin Batts, who just got arrested for carrying a pistol without a license onto Capitol grounds. Senator Booker apparently led this aide around a U.S. Capitol Police security checkpoint on Monday night. Someone should be held… https://t.co/aQjAg9dzAK
— Golf Girl 🏑⛳️❤️ (@GolfGirl_Love) April 1, 2025
The arrest came during Senator Booker’s theatrical hours-long Senate floor speech designed explicitly to obstruct normal Senate operations and attack former President Trump’s policies. “Tonight, I rise intending to get in some good trouble,” Booker announced Monday evening, openly declaring his plan to disrupt Senate business “for as long as I am physically able.”
Security Violations Expose Congressional Vulnerabilities
Capitol Police discovered Batts was armed only because he voluntarily disclosed this information while standing outside the Senate Galleries during Booker’s lengthy speech. Had the staffer not self-reported, the armed individual might have remained undetected throughout the high-profile Senate event, potentially putting lawmakers, staff, and visitors at risk.
“Yesterday afternoon, a Member of Congress led an IDed staff member around security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building. Later that evening, outside the Senate Galleries, the IDed staff member — who is a retired law enforcement officer — told our officers he was armed,” Capitol Police told the Washington Examiner in a statement.
The timing of this security breach raises significant concerns about Capitol safety protocols, especially during politically charged events. While Democrats focus on partisan spectacles like Booker’s marathon speech attacking the Trump administration, basic security measures appear to be falling dangerously short of protecting those working in one of America’s most important government buildings.
