Batarti Gabbard, the brother of former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has been arrested following allegations of attempted child luring at a hotel in Waikīkī, Hawaii. The incident reportedly occurred on July 12, and Gabbard was subsequently charged with custodial interference in the second degree.
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According to a statement from the Honolulu Police Department, Batarti, 55, allegedly approached several children at the hotel pool area and offered them gum and money to entice them to his hotel room. This unsettling encounter involved a nine-year-old boy among the children approached. The authorities indicated that the children, understanding the inappropriateness of the situation, refused the man’s advances, causing him to leave the area.
A 42-year-old woman who witnessed the event reported it to the police, prompting an immediate investigation. Batarti Gabbard, who is also known by his Hindu name Bhakti, is the son of Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard and his wife Carol. In a statement to the local press, the Gabbard family acknowledged that Batarti has a history of mental health issues but has experienced considerable improvement over the past decade.
The family’s statement noted that Batarti has experienced personal difficulties recently, including being homeless after his wife, Kimberly, left him. They revealed that he had given away his car to a homeless individual and had his identification and phone taken from him, leading to a challenging living situation. The family’s concerns were compounded by Batarti’s reported delusions of believing he was a rock star.
After being taken into custody, Batarti was subsequently transported to Queen’s Hospital Emergency Room for a psychological evaluation. It was reported that he indicated to medical staff that he expected his blood tests would reveal the presence of illegal substances. Since the evaluation, he has been placed on a 72-hour hold as hospital staff continue to assess his condition.
Furthermore, Kimberly Gabbard has recently sought a protective order against Batarti, claiming he exhibited “erratic, impulsive, and bizarre behaviour” prior to the incident. These reports detail her concerns for her personal safety, citing a specific event on July 11 at the Ala Moana Center. The family revealed that Batarti has a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and they have urged him to pursue psychiatric help in light of his declining mental health.
Batarti Gabbard was also charged with a separate theft-related offence on July 16, for which he pleaded not guilty in court the following day. He remains in police custody as the situation continues to develop, with authorities and mental health professionals evaluating his case.
As the Gabbard family navigates this troubling period, representatives for both Tulsi Gabbard and Sen. Mike Gabbard have yet to provide further comments regarding the circumstances surrounding Batarti’s arrest. The tragic turn of events has raised difficult questions surrounding mental health and its implications for individuals and their families.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex issues surrounding mental illness, and the challenges faced by those affected, as well as their loved ones. With Batarti currently detained, the focus will likely remain on his mental health needs and the legal ramifications that may follow from the recent allegations. As the story unfolds, it will be imperative to consider the broader societal context regarding mental health awareness and family support.