In a surprising twist that sparked questions about double standards and Capitol security, Kevin A. Batts, a staffer for outspoken anti-gun Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), was arrested Monday evening on Capitol grounds for carrying a firearm without a valid license. According to Nick Pope of the Daily Caller, Batts was taken into custody by Capitol Police shortly before Booker launched into an 18-hour filibuster speech protesting Trump administration policies. The timing of the arrest couldn’t have been more ironic.
Security Breach Caught in the Act
The incident began when Batts, reportedly escorted around a security checkpoint at the Hart Senate Office Building by a Member of Congress, was later confronted outside the Senate galleries. Capitol Police issued a statement the next day, noting that the staffer – who is a retired law enforcement officer – openly admitted to being armed. Officers arrested Batts on the spot around 6:30 p.m., according to NOTUS reporters cited in the Daily Caller article. The Capitol Police emphasized that “all weapons are prohibited from Capitol Grounds,” regardless of law enforcement status or carry permits from other jurisdictions.
Jared Yanis Breaks the News on Guns & Gadgets
Gun rights commentator Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News quickly picked up the story in his recent video. Yanis called out what he described as blatant hypocrisy, pointing out that while Booker opposes civilian concealed carry rights, his own staff relies on armed protection. “So it’s okay for his driver to carry a gun for his safety,” Yanis said, “but Cory doesn’t think you should have one.”
Retired Officer or Not, Capitol Rules Apply
Even though Batts is a retired law enforcement officer, that status offered no protection under Capitol law. As Nick Pope reported, Capitol Police made it clear that even those with permits from other states or the District of Columbia must comply with the blanket weapons ban on Capitol grounds. This incident is not just a personal mistake – it also raises red flags about the procedures for screening staff and guests in one of the most secure government buildings in the country.
Booker’s Office Stays Quiet
Despite the public nature of the arrest, Senator Booker’s office has not issued an official comment, according to Pope’s reporting. The silence is notable, especially since the arrest happened mere moments before Booker began a widely publicized marathon speech. The senator’s extended protest on the Senate floor, meant to criticize conservative policies, now exists in strange contrast with the actions of his own team.
Capitol Police confirmed in their statement that a Member of Congress led Batts around security. The identity of the escorting member has not been publicly released, which adds a level of intrigue to the situation. If true, this would represent a clear violation of security protocol – potentially exposing a larger pattern of circumventing safeguards for personal convenience.
Public Response: Mixed Reactions and Hypocrisy Claims
Online reactions were swift and divided. While some expressed concern about the presence of any firearms on Capitol property, others focused on what they saw as hypocrisy. Yanis echoed this frustration, questioning why “rights don’t carry over to the Capitol of your country.” He also criticized the government’s strict weapons ban, suggesting that Batts’ arrest was less about safety and more about inconsistency in who gets to carry a firearm and who doesn’t.
A Deeper Look at Batts’ Role
According to statements made to NOTUS and summarized in Yanis’s video, Batts serves as a New Jersey-based driver for Senator Booker and frequently accompanies him to events. That means his primary role is not legislative but logistical – transporting the senator and ensuring safe passage through public spaces. It’s not unusual for political drivers to be armed, especially those with prior law enforcement experience. What’s unusual is that Batts apparently failed to disclose or properly secure the firearm before entering restricted government property.
Booker’s Gun Control Advocacy Adds Tension
Senator Booker has long been one of the Senate’s most vocal gun control advocates. He’s publicly supported national red flag laws, bans on so-called “assault weapons,” and strict licensing regimes. That makes this arrest especially noteworthy. While the senator pushes to disarm everyday Americans, his staff is literally armed in restricted areas. As Yanis put it bluntly, “They want protection for themselves – but not for you.”
A Lesson in Security Theater?
This incident also raises bigger questions about what some call “security theater.” If a staffer can be walked around security and later found armed, it suggests lapses in Capitol protocols. How many others might have done the same? Are there consistent checks, or does status sometimes override rules? The fact that Batts was only caught because he admitted he had a weapon adds to concerns that enforcement may be uneven.
At this time, Batts has not been cleared of the charge. According to both Nick Pope and Jared Yanis, he faces charges for carrying a pistol without a license on Capitol grounds. There is no indication that the case will be dismissed simply because of his employment status or past law enforcement background. Whether the situation escalates further remains to be seen.
A Story Full of Irony
There’s something deeply ironic about a high-profile anti-gun senator’s staffer being arrested for carrying a gun – on the very day the senator makes headlines for speaking about justice and civil rights. It’s like watching someone say one thing while the facts quietly scream another. This isn’t just a “gotcha” moment; it’s a reminder of the complicated, sometimes absurd, relationship between power and principle. If carrying a firearm is such a threat, why are politicians surrounded by people who carry them? If safety is the issue, then why restrict it for the public but embrace it behind closed doors?
Transparency, Fairness, and Rights
This story is still unfolding, and we don’t yet know how severe the legal consequences will be for Batts. But the optics are already clear. Lawmakers who craft the rules should be held to them – and so should their staff. The public deserves transparency, and more importantly, consistency. If gun laws are strict on Capitol Hill, they should apply evenly. And if security is the concern, maybe it’s time to ask why some people’s safety is valued more than others. That’s the heart of this story – not just the irony, but the deeper imbalance it exposes.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.