Senator’s Aide’s Arrest Ignites Capitol Security Controversy

US Capitol building with American flag flying

While Senator Cory Booker was setting a record with his 25-hour marathon speech against Trump policies, Capitol Police arrested his longtime aide for carrying an unlicensed firearm on Capitol grounds after bypassing security checkpoints.

Key Takeaways

Kevin Batts, a special assistant to Senator Booker and retired law enforcement officer, was arrested for possessing an unlicensed firearm on Capitol grounds despite being escorted past security by a Member of Congress.
Capitol Police emphasized that all weapons are prohibited on Capitol grounds, regardless of permits or retired law enforcement status.
The incident occurred just before Booker began his record-breaking 25-hour Senate floor speech against President Trump’s agenda.
This security breach follows similar recent incidents, raising concerns about Capitol security protocols.
Booker’s speech surpassed Strom Thurmond’s previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes set in 1957.

Security Breach Amid Historic Senate Speech

Kevin Batts, who has served as Senator Cory Booker’s special assistant since November 2013 (with a brief hiatus between February 2019 and February 2020), was apprehended by Capitol Police. The arrest occurred just as Senator Booker was preparing to begin what would become the longest speech in Senate history. Despite being a retired law enforcement officer, Batts found himself in legal trouble after bypassing standard security screening procedures at the Hart Senate Office Building.

Capitol Police detailed the incident in a statement, “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,” read a spokesperson.

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 Police Emphasize Zero-Tolerance Weapons Policy

The arrest highlights the strict security protocols in place at federal government facilities. Despite Batts’ background in law enforcement, Capitol Police made it clear that their weapons policy applies to everyone without exception. This incident marks the third recent security breach involving firearms at the Capitol, following the arrest of a staffer for Rep. Andy Ogles who was caught with a loaded handgun and another incident involving an armed individual on a Capitol tour.

The timing of the arrest was particularly notable as it occurred just before Senator Booker began a marathon floor speech that would make legislative history. While Booker’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the arrest, the incident has reignited discussions about security protocols and the procedures for escorting staff through Capitol security checkpoints.

Booker’s Historic Senate Address

While his aide’s arrest was unfolding, Senator Booker was preparing to deliver what would become the longest speech in Senate history at over 25 hours. His address began at 7 p.m. on Monday with a clear statement of purpose, “Tonight, I rise with the intention of getting in some good trouble. I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able,” declared Booker.

The marathon speech, which was not technically a filibuster as it did not block specific legislation, broke the record previously held by Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Throughout his address, Booker criticized various Trump administration policies, including cuts to Social Security offices and Elon Musk’s involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency. Senate Democratic leader Charles E. Schumer and other Democratic colleagues joined throughout to support Booker’s extended protest.

Security Implications and Future Protocols

The security breach involving a senior staff member raises significant questions about Capitol security protocols, particularly regarding how individuals are escorted past checkpoints by Members of Congress. Capitol Police have not yet identified which Member of Congress escorted Batts past security. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining strict security in a building that must remain accessible to elected officials, staff, and visitors while protecting against potential threats.

This latest breach follows a concerning pattern of similar incidents at the Capitol complex, suggesting that current security measures may need reevaluation. As the investigation continues, security officials will likely examine how to prevent such lapses in the future while balancing the need for both security and accessibility in one of the nation’s most important government facilities.