A staffer for Sen. Cory Booker was arrested Monday by U.S. Capitol Police for carrying a pistol on Capitol grounds without a license, police said.

The staffer, whose name is Kevin A. Batts, is listed on Legistorm as being a special assistant for the New Jersey senator. Police said he was arrested at the Capitol on Monday after failing to go through security.

“Yesterday afternoon a Member of Congress led an IDed staff member around security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building,” Capitol Police said in a statement on Tuesday. “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 said Batts was arrested for carrying a pistol 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.

NOTUS spotted the staffer being arrested around 6:29 p.m. ET on Monday. He was handcuffed and placed in the backseat of a USCP vehicle outside the Senate-side of the Capitol.
Booker’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Shortly after the arrest, Booker began a speech on the floor that is still ongoing in protest of President Donald Trump’s agenda.