file photo of Senator Booker in Ridgewood by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, Senator Cory Booker aka Spartacus (D-NJ) has made history by breaking the record for the longest Senate floor speech, surpassing Senator Ted Cruz’s previous filibuster record of 21 hours and 19 minutes. Booker, who took the floor around 7 p.m. ET on Monday, delivered a nearly 18-hour-long speech, heavily criticizing the Trump administration’s policies and actions.
Kevin Batts Arrested for Carrying Firearm Without a License
However, Booker’s record-breaking speech was overshadowed by the arrest of his longtime staffer, Kevin Batts. Reports indicate that Batts, a retired Newark police detective and special assistant to the senator, was taken into custody for carrying a firearm without a license just before Booker’s speech began on March 31.
According to Politico, Batts informed Capitol Police outside the Senate galleries that he was armed. He had reportedly bypassed security screening with Booker’s guidance. The Capitol Police enforces a strict no-weapons policy on Capitol grounds, leading to Batts’ arrest and subsequent charges for carrying a pistol without a license.
Gun Rights Advocates Call Out Hypocrisy
Batts’ arrest has sparked controversy, particularly among gun rights advocates who have accused Booker of hypocrisy due to his strong stance on gun control. The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) issued a statement criticizing Booker’s position, calling it contradictory in light of Batts’ alleged actions.
Booker’s Office Responds
Jeff Giertz, a spokesperson for Booker, responded to the incident in a statement to the New York Post, clarifying Batts’ role within the senator’s team. “Senator Booker’s office employs a retired Newark police detective as a New Jersey-based driver who often accompanies him to events. We are working to better understand the circumstances around this,” Giertz said.
Booker’s Record-Breaking Senate Speech
Despite the controversy, Booker pressed forward with his marathon Senate speech, ultimately setting a new record. In the final hour, he strongly condemned former President Donald Trump’s administration, highlighting concerns over threats to democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Kevin Batts: A Longtime Booker Ally
Booker and Batts have shared a close working relationship for years. In 2016, Booker posted a tribute to Batts on Instagram, recognizing his longtime service and loyalty. Batts, who grew up in Newark’s Columbus Homes projects, served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves before joining the Newark Police Department in 2004. He later became a detective and joined Booker’s executive protection unit in 2006 before transitioning to the senator’s staff in 2013.
Ongoing Investigation
As the situation unfolds, questions remain about how Batts bypassed security screening and whether further actions will be taken by law enforcement or Booker’s office. The arrest has amplified the discussion around gun laws and security procedures on Capitol Hill.
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What a clown and embarassment .
I cannot name one thing this loser has done for the state of NJ
He doesn’t have to do anything, he’s SPARTACUS
This phoney used to have a fake friend ‘t-bone’ when he was the mayor of Sewark which he thought would increase his street ‘cred’ in the hood… it didnt work.
This POS is a joke give him an Oscar!
I think he just failed his audition for Democrat Party Presidential nominee in 2028