Security Breach Uncovered: Capitol Staffer Arrested for Firearm Violation

US Capitol building with American flag flying

Senator Cory Booker’s special assistant was arrested for carrying an unlicensed firearm at the Capitol, exposing a serious security loophole that allowed him to bypass standard screening procedures.

Quick Takes

Kevin Batts, a staffer for Senator Cory Booker, was arrested by Capitol Police for possessing an unlicensed pistol on Capitol grounds.
Batts bypassed security screening when a Member of Congress escorted him through the Hart Senate Office Building.
The retired law enforcement officer self-reported being armed outside the Senate Galleries.
Capitol Police emphasized that all weapons are prohibited on Capitol Grounds regardless of permits or law enforcement status.
This incident joins a growing trend of security breaches at the Capitol, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.

Security Breach Details

Capitol Police arrested Kevin Batts, a special assistant to Senator Cory Booker, for carrying a pistol without a license on Capitol grounds. The arrest occurred just before Senator Booker began what would become a record-breaking marathon speech on the Senate floor. Batts, who has served as Booker’s assistant since November 2013 with a short break between 2019 and 2020, was able to enter the Capitol armed due to a concerning security oversight.

According to Capitol Police, Batts was escorted past security screening by a Member of Congress at the Hart Senate Office Building. Later that evening, he voluntarily informed officers outside the Senate Galleries that he was armed. Despite his background as a retired law enforcement officer, Capitol regulations strictly prohibit weapons regardless of permits or professional history.

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 Security Loopholes Exposed

This incident has exposed a significant vulnerability in Capitol security protocols. Members of Congress have the privilege to bypass security screening and can escort guests through checkpoints without the standard security measures applied to the general public and most staff. This loophole creates potential security risks, as demonstrated by Batts’ ability to enter with a firearm. “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,” Capitol Police announced.

The arrest follows a series of similar security incidents at the Capitol. Earlier this year, a staffer for Representative Andy Ogles was arrested with a loaded handgun, and another security breach occurred when an unauthorized individual managed to enter the complex. These incidents collectively point to systemic issues in Capitol security that require immediate attention and reform.

Timing With Booker’s Marathon Speech

The timing of the arrest was particularly notable as it occurred just before Senator Booker began what would become the longest speech in Senate history, surpassing Strom Thurmond’s 24-hour and 18-minute filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Booker’s speech, lasting over 25 hours, was a coordinated protest against the Trump administration and Republican policies.

In his marathon address, Booker criticized various aspects of the administration’s agenda, including proposed cuts to Social Security and Elon Musk’s role with the Department of Government Efficiency. “These are not normal times in our nation, and they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate,” Booker stated during his speech, which was supported by Democratic colleagues who allowed him to take breaks while maintaining the floor.

Growing Concerns About Capitol Security

The incident with Batts highlights growing concerns about Capitol security three years after the January 6 riot. The fact that a staffer could enter the complex with a weapon – even unintentionally – raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the special privileges extended to lawmakers and their staff that may compromise overall safety.

Capitol Police have not released additional details about how Batts obtained the firearm or why he brought it to the Capitol. Senator Booker’s office has been contacted for comment regarding the incident but has not provided a public statement about their staff member’s arrest. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine whether this was an isolated incident or indicative of broader security failures requiring comprehensive reform.