Tulsi Gabbard’s Brother Arrested After Police Say Hotel Encounter With Children Sparks Investigation
The older brother of former Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has been arrested after Honolulu police said he allegedly approached children at a Waikiki hotel pool and tried to persuade them to go with him to his hotel room.
Batarti Gabbard, 55, was arrested and charged with custodial interference in the second degree following an investigation into an incident reported on July 12, according to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD).
Police said the case involved what they described as a “Stranger Danger Incident” at a Waikiki hotel pool area.
Authorities said the man approached several children at the hotel pool area, including a 9-year-old boy, and allegedly offered them gum and money if they would go with him to his room.
Investigators said he requested the children’s names and recorded them in a notebook before leaving after they declined.
A woman who witnessed the alleged interaction notified police, leading to an investigation.
Authorities later identified Gabbard as the person suspected of approaching the children and confirmed his arrest.
Gabbard is the oldest son of Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard (D) and Carol Gabbard.
His sister, Tulsi Gabbard, previously served as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence before resigning from the role in June.
TTOA reported in May that her departure was related to her husband’s diagnosis with an extremely rare form of cancer.
Following the arrest, Gabbard’s parents released a statement saying their son had experienced mental health challenges in the past but had been doing well for about a decade before recently displaying concerning behavior.
They said he had started acting erratically after using marijuana and that his wife had asked him to leave their home, according to Breitbart.
“Several days ago, he started acting erratically, as a result of smoking pot,” the statement said. “His wife kicked him out of the house, so he’s been sleeping on the streets.”
The family also said he gave away his vehicle, lost his identification and phone, and changed his name to Batarti and “Jim Morrison Jr.” while experiencing what they described as delusions of being a rock star.
The family said a relative brought Gabbard to Queen’s Hospital for a psychological evaluation.
They said Gabbard told doctors that blood tests would show substances including cocaine and marijuana in his system and that he was admitted for a 72-hour hold while medical professionals monitored him.
Gabbard’s wife, Kimberley Gabbard, also filed a petition seeking a protective order against him, citing concerns about his behavior.
According to court records reviewed by Newsweek, the petition was rejected. She wrote that she feared for her safety and described his actions as erratic, impulsive, and unusual.
Gabbard was also arrested and charged in an unrelated theft case.
He pleaded not guilty and was released following his arraignment, according to court records. A hearing for the theft charge is scheduled for Aug. 14, while no court date has been set for the custodial interference charge.
Mike Gabbard said his son was receiving treatment and asked for prayers from the public.
“We love him, and asked him to follow the protocol at the hospital, which he says he will do,” he told Fox News Digital, as reported by The Independent. “We’re praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others.”
Tulsi Gabbard has not publicly commented on her brother’s arrest.
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