Former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's brother, Batarti Gabbard, was arrested for allegedly trying to lure children to his hotel room in Waikiki by offering them gum and money.
The incident occurred on July 12, and Gabbard's father responded, saying his is undergoing psychiatric treatment and following hospital protocol while in custody. Batarti's intention with the kids is unknown as they walked away and reported the incident.
Batarti Gabbard, the suspect identified in Sunday’s Waikīkī stranger danger case, is the brother of former national intelligence director and former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. State Sen. Mike Gabbard told Hawaii News Now his son was admitted to a hospital for a… pic.twitter.com/vIgr0N6sxP
— Hawaii News Now (@HawaiiNewsNow) July 18, 2026
Police reported the incident as stranger danger and added that Batarti also allegedly asked for the children’s names, which he wrote in a notebook.
Batarti, 55, is 10 years older than his sister Tulsi, 45, and he's also the son of Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard.
Sen. Mike Gabbard and his wife, Carol Gabbard, addressed the allegations with PEOPLE.
“Bhakti has had mental issues in the past but has been doing well for the last 10 years,” the couple said.
“His wife kicked him out of the house, so he’s been sleeping on the streets. He gave away his car to a homeless person; lost his ID and phone and has no money. He’s renamed himself, Batarti, and also Jim Morrison Jr., as he’s having delusions of being a rock star,” they continued. “Bhakti told the doctor they would find cocaine, ice and pot in his blood tests. And this evening, he was admitted for a 72-hour hold at Queen’s, while they continue to monitor him and decide next steps."
His wife had filed for a protective order against him the day before the alleged incident at the Honolulu hotel, saying he displayed “erratic, impulsive and bizarre behavior.”
Tulsi Gabbard has not commented on her brother's arrest. She recently left the Trump administration, citing her husband's cancer diagnosis.
President Donald Trump praised Tulsi Gabbard after she announced her resignation in May, saying she had done "a great job." She had broken with Trump due to her anti-interventionist stance overseas and his sudden burst of wars, including attacks in Venezuela, and Iran. In March 2026, Gabbard told Congress the intelligence community did not believe Iran was actively trying to rebuild its nuclear weapons capability.
"She's wrong," Trump disputed, and shortly after, she was out.
After she left, her replacement, Bill Pulte, has faced challenges in being confirmed due to his lack of experience in intelligence and national security.
