The brother of Tulsi Gabbard, the former Director of National Intelligence, has been indicted according to reports from Honolulu police. His family indicates that he is undergoing ongoing psychiatric treatment and is suspected of attempting to lure children to a hotel room in Waikiki under the pretense of giving them gum and money.
Batalti Gabbard, 55, faces charges of second-degree custodial interference stemming from an incident of “stranger endangerment” at a hotel pool in Waikiki on July 12.
Police say Gabbard approached multiple children, including a 9-year-old boy, asked for their names, wrote them down, and enticingly offered them gum and money to accompany him to a hotel room.
Comments from Gabbard’s father, Hawaii Senator Mike Gabbard, were obtained by Fox News Digital. He did not address the specific allegations but confirmed that his son is continuing with medical and psychiatric care. “We asked him to adhere to hospital protocols because we care for him, and he’s promised he will,” Mike Gabbard said. “We wish him a swift recovery and appreciate everyone’s prayers.”
Attempts made by Fox News Digital to reach out to Tulsi Gabbard through her government office did not elicit a response.
The police report indicates the incident took place around 2 p.m. at an unnamed hotel in Waikiki, where Batalti Gabbard allegedly approached the children.
The children declined his advances, and he reportedly left the scene, according to police.
A 42-year-old woman subsequently called the authorities.
As reported by KITV, Gabbard was also arrested on July 16 on similar allegations of theft.
He was released on Friday after entering a plea of not guilty to the theft charge and has a court appearance scheduled for August 14 regarding this matter.
KITV noted that no court date has been set yet for the custodial interference charge.
Honolulu police have confirmed to Fox News Digital that Gabbard is no longer behind bars.
