Senator Cory Booker’s marathon floor speech was overshadowed by a serious security breach when his longtime aide was arrested for carrying an unlicensed firearm on Capitol grounds after bypassing standard security screening.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Batts, a special assistant to Senator Booker and retired law enforcement officer, was arrested for carrying a pistol without a license on Capitol grounds while Booker delivered a record-breaking 25-hour speech.
- Batts bypassed security screening with assistance from a Member of Congress, exposing a potential security vulnerability in Capitol protocols.
- Capitol Police confirmed that all weapons are prohibited on Capitol grounds, regardless of permits or retired law enforcement status.
- The incident follows similar security breaches involving firearms at Capitol facilities, raising concerns about security effectiveness.
- Booker’s marathon speech, though unrelated to the arrest, set a new record for the longest individual speech in Senate history.
Security Breach During Historic Senate Speech
Capitol Police detained Kevin Batts, a longtime aide to Senator Cory Booker, for carrying an unlicensed firearm on Capitol grounds. The arrest occurred shortly before Senator Booker began what would become the longest individual speech in Senate history. Batts, who has served as a special assistant to Booker since November 2013 with a brief interruption between 2019 and 2020, was a retired law enforcement officer who apparently believed his status might exempt him from weapons restrictions.
The circumstances of the security breach are particularly concerning to Capitol security experts. According to Capitol Police statements, Batts was escorted around security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building by an unnamed Member of Congress. This bypass of standard security protocols only came to light when Batts himself informed officers outside the Senate Galleries that he was armed, leading to his immediate detention and subsequent charges for illegal firearm possession.
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
Zero Tolerance Weapons Policy
Capitol Police were unequivocal about their weapons policy in statements following the arrest. “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 incident highlights the strict no-exceptions approach to security at federal government facilities, particularly following recent violent incidents at the Capitol. Despite Batts’ background in law enforcement, Capitol security protocols make no allowances for personal firearms, regardless of permits or professional status.
This incident is not isolated. It follows a similar arrest of a staffer for Representative Andy Ogles who was caught with a loaded handgun earlier this year. The pattern of weapons-related security breaches has intensified scrutiny of current security measures, particularly the practice of allowing Members of Congress to bypass screening with accompanying staff. Senator Booker’s office has not yet provided public comment on the matter, despite requests from media outlets.
Record-Breaking Senate Speech
While his aide’s arrest created an unexpected security situation, Senator Booker was making history on the Senate floor. Booker launched into what would become the longest speech in Senate history at over 25 hours, surpassing Strom Thurmond’s 1957 filibuster. The marathon address represented a dramatic protest against Trump administration policies and the Republican-controlled Congress.
Sources:
Booker aide arrested for allegedly carrying a gun as senator began hourslong speech
While Cory Booker rails against Trump, his Senate aide busted for having handgun at Capitol
