Unauthorized Firearm Incident Involving Senator Booker’s Staff Member at Capitol

United States Capitol building with American flag visible

Senator Booker’s aide was arrested for carrying an unlicensed pistol at the Capitol while the senator was delivering a marathon speech against the Trump administration, exposing serious security flaws that allowed him to bypass screening checkpoints.

Key Takeaways

Kevin Batts, a special assistant to Senator Cory Booker and retired law enforcement officer, was arrested for carrying an unlicensed pistol in the Capitol complex despite strict no-weapons policies.
Batts bypassed security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building after being escorted by a member of Congress, revealing a significant security vulnerability.
The arrest coincided with Senator Booker’s record-breaking 25+ hour Senate floor speech criticizing the Trump administration.
Capitol Police emphasized that all weapons are prohibited on Capitol grounds, regardless of permits or retired law enforcement status.
This incident follows similar recent security breaches involving firearms at the Capitol, highlighting urgent needs for improved screening measures.

Security Breach Details Emerge

Kevin Batts, who has served as Senator Cory Booker’s special assistant since November 2013 (with a brief break between 2019-2020), was arrested after Capitol Police discovered he was carrying a pistol without proper licensing. The security breach occurred when Batts was escorted around security screening stations at the Hart Senate Office Building by an unnamed member of Congress, allowing him to bypass standard security protocols that would have detected the weapon.

According to official statements, Batts later approached officers outside the Senate Galleries and voluntarily disclosed that he was armed. Despite his status as a retired law enforcement officer, Capitol Police immediately detained and charged him with illegal gun possession. The incident has raised serious questions about security vulnerabilities at one of the nation’s most important government buildings, especially considering this is the third recent firearm-related breach at the Capitol.

Sen. Cory Booker's aide Kevin A. Batt arrested for having a handgun at the Capitol https://t.co/Ijq80m0Oga pic.twitter.com/SR7tIMiJfa

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 2, 2025

Capitol Policies and Security Concerns

In response to the incident, Capitol Police issued a clear statement regarding their weapons policy, leaving no room for ambiguity about exceptions. “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,” declared Capitol Police. The policy applies uniformly regardless of an individual’s background or credentials, reinforcing the seriousness with which authorities view potential security threats in the wake of the January 6th events and other security concerns.

This case follows a concerning pattern of security failures. Earlier incidents included the arrest of Representative Andy Ogles’ staffer for a similar violation and another case involving an armed individual at the Capitol complex. Security experts note that the ability of a congressional member to escort someone past checkpoints represents a critical vulnerability that needs immediate attention from Capitol security leadership.

Booker’s Marathon Speech Coincides With Arrest

The timing of Batts’ arrest coincided with Senator Booker’s unprecedented marathon address on the Senate floor. Booker began what would become a record-breaking 25-hour speech criticizing the Trump administration’s policies and agenda. The New Jersey Democrat made it clear from the outset that he intended to disrupt Senate business for as long as physically possible.

Although technically not a filibuster targeting specific legislation, Booker’s speech followed similar procedural patterns. His address broke the previous record set by Strom Thurmond’s 1957 filibuster against the Civil Rights Act. Throughout the marathon session, Booker criticized proposed cuts to Social Security, questioned Elon Musk’s role with the Department of Government Efficiency, and received support from Democratic colleagues who took turns speaking to give him brief respite.

Security Reform Implications

The incident highlights troubling gaps in Capitol security that allow individuals to circumvent established safety protocols. The fact that a member of Congress was able to escort Batts around screening stations demonstrates the need for comprehensive review of current practices. Security experts have pointed to the need for consistent application of screening procedures for all individuals entering secure areas, regardless of who accompanies them.

Capitol Police officials indicate they are reviewing security protocols following this latest breach. The recurring nature of these incidents suggests systemic vulnerabilities rather than isolated incidents. Law enforcement veterans familiar with Capitol security operations note that maintaining safety without impeding the daily functions of government remains a challenging balancing act, but one that requires immediate attention given the current political climate.