A staffer for Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) was arrested for allegedly carrying a pistol on Capitol grounds.
Kevin Batts, 59, was arrested on Monday after bypassing the required security screening process, according to United States Capitol Police (USCP).
“Yesterday afternoon a Member of Congress led an IDed staff member around security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building," USCP wrote in an emailed statement to NTD News. "Later that evening, outside the Senate Galleries, the IDed staff member -- who is a retired law enforcement officer -- told our officers he was armed."
Police stressed that weapons of any kind are banned at the Capitol, with or 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," police added.
Offenders can face arrest, fines or imprisonment, and confiscation or destruction of the prohibited item.
According to the senator, Batts has been a friend and involved in his political life for nearly 20 years.
"Kevin Batts has been a friend and team member since 2006 when I became mayor and even before," Booker wrote in the social media post. "I so deeply appreciate his steadfast friendship, incredible dedication to Newark and now his service to the state. Kevin was raised in Columbus Homes projects in Newark, then spent 6 years in the United States army reserves and then joined the Newark Police Department and became a detective in 2004."
Booker also confirmed that Batts joined his security detail in 2006 as a member of Newark's executive protection unit. Batts eventually joined his Senate staff in 2013.
"I am truly blessed by his friendship and loyal hard work," Booker said.
NTD also reached out to Jeff Giertz, the senator's spokesperson, for a statement regarding the staffer's arrest, but did not receive an immediate response.