The older brother of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been charged with custodial interference after allegedly attempting to lure children to his hotel room in Waikīkī, Honolulu police reported. Batarti Gabbard, 55, was charged following an incident on July 12 at a Waikīkī hotel pool.
According to police, Batarti Gabbard approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, asked for their names, wrote them down, and offered them gum and money if they would accompany him to his hotel room. The children reportedly refused, and Gabbard left the area. A 42-year-old woman reported the incident to the police.
Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, the father of both Tulsi and Batarti Gabbard, declined to comment on the specific allegations but confirmed that his son is continuing 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 told Fox News Digital. "We're praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others."
Tulsi Gabbard's public office was contacted for comment but had not immediately responded.
Police confirmed that Batarti Gabbard had also been arrested on July 16 on theft charges. He pleaded not guilty to the theft charge and was released, with a court appearance scheduled for August 14. A court date for the custodial interference charge has not yet been set. Honolulu police confirmed Gabbard is no longer in custody.