Tulsi Gabbard's Brother Charged with Attempted Luring of Children in Hawaii

Batarti Gabbard, the older brother of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has been charged with second-degree custodial interference following an incident on July 12 at a Waikīkī hotel pool in Hawaii. According to police reports, Gabbard, 55, allegedly approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, asking for their names and offering them money and gum in exchange for accompanying him to his hotel room. The children declined his offers, and a 42-year-old woman subsequently reported the incident to the police.

Gabbard's family has stated that he is continuing to receive psychiatric treatment. His father, Hawaii state Senator Mike Gabbard, confirmed that the family is supportive and is encouraging him to adhere to his treatment protocol. He expressed hope for his son's recovery, requesting prayers from the community.

In addition to the custodial interference charge, Batarti Gabbard was arrested on July 16 for theft, to which he pleaded not guilty. He was released after the hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on August 14 for the theft case. As of now, no court date has been set for the custodial interference charge, and Honolulu Police have confirmed that he is no longer in custody.