January 1, Former Trump Official’s Brother Arrested in Disturbing Hotel Pool Incident

Wyatt’s Take

• A deeply troubling incident at a Hawaii hotel pool has resulted in criminal charges against the brother of a former Trump administration official
• Police say multiple children were allegedly approached and offered money and gum to visit a hotel room, raising serious safety concerns for families nationwide
• The family confirms ongoing psychiatric treatment while prayers are requested during this difficult time

The older brother of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been charged after Honolulu police say he allegedly tried to lure several children to his Waikīkī hotel room by offering them gum and money. His family says he is continuing to receive psychiatric treatment.

Batarti Gabbard, 55, was charged with second-degree custodial interference after the July 12 “stranger danger” incident at a Waikīkī hotel pool, according to police.

Honolulu police allege Gabbard approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, asked for their names, wrote them in a notebook and offered them money and gum if they would accompany him to his hotel room. The children refused and Gabbard walked away, police said.

A 42-year-old woman reported the incident to police. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on July 12 at the pool area of an unnamed Waikīkī hotel.

Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, the father of both Batarti and Tulsi Gabbard, declined to discuss the allegations but confirmed his son continues to receive medical and psychiatric treatment.

“We love him, and asked him to follow the protocol at the hospital, which he says he will do,” Mike Gabbard said.

“We’re praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others.”

Tulsi Gabbard, who recently resigned from her position as Director of National Intelligence in the Trump cabinet, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to local reports, Gabbard had also been arrested July 16 on charges of theft. He pleaded not guilty to the theft charge Friday morning, was released and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 14 in that case.

No court date has yet been set on the custodial interference charge. Honolulu Police confirmed that Gabbard is no longer in custody.

Why It Matters

This heartbreaking situation reminds us that mental health struggles can impact any family, regardless of political standing or public service. While the allegations are deeply disturbing, the family’s focus on psychiatric treatment shows the importance of addressing mental health crises properly. For parents everywhere, this serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant about stranger danger, even in seemingly safe vacation settings. Our prayers go out to everyone involved, especially the children and families affected by this troubling incident.