Capitol Police arrested a staffer for Sen. Cory Booker who was carrying a gun Monday evening, as the New Jersey Democrat kicked off a marathon “filibuster” in the upper chamber.
“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,” a rep for US Capitol Police said in a statement Tuesday.
“The staff member, 59-year-old Kevin A. Batts of New Jersey, was arrested for Carrying a Pistol Without a License. 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.”
Jeff Giertz, a spokesperson for Booker, responded in a statement: “Senator Booker’s office employs a retired Newark police detective as a New Jersey-based driver who often accompanies him to events. We are working to better understand the circumstances around this.”
It’s unclear whether Booker escorted Batts “around security.” In a 2022 Facebook reel, the senator had referred to the staffer as one of his “best” friends.
The former Newark police officer has been a fixture of Booker’s political life since at least 2014, per social media posts, including one in which Booker affectionately calls him “The Batt Man.”
“Kevin Batts has been a friend and team member since 2006 when I became [Newark] mayor and even before. I so deeply appreciate his steadfast friendship, incredible dedication to Newark and now his service to the state,” Booker posted on Instagram in January 2016.
“Kevin was raised in Columbus Homes projects in Newark, then spent 6 years in the United States army reserves [sic] and then joined the Newark Police Department and became a detective in 2004. In 2006, he joined my security detail as a member of Newark’s executive protection unit. In 2013 he joined my Senate staff. I am truly blessed by his friendship and loyal hard work.”
Booker bragged shortly after beginning his floor speech at 7 p.m. Monday that he would keep speaking “as long as I am physically able,” and continued to denounce the Trump administration in a rambling address that remains ongoing.
The speech is not technically a talking filibuster, as Booker has not spoken continuously in opposition to a bill or legislative motion.
He’s been speaking for at least 19 hours.
