Full Breakdown
Brother of Former DNI Charged After Alleged Attempt to Lure Children at Waikiki Hotel
7/20/2026, 2:21:53 AM
Incident Overview
On July 12, 2026, Honolulu police allege that 55-year-old Batarti Gabbard—also known by his Hindu name Bhakti—approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, at the pool area of an unnamed Waikiki hotel. He is accused of offering gum and cash, requesting the children’s names, and recording them in a notebook before inviting them to his hotel room. The children refused and the suspect walked away. Police filed a charge of second-degree custodial interference on July 17. Gabbard had been arrested two days earlier, on July 16, on an unrelated theft charge; he pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on August 14 for that matter.
Timeline of Key Events
- July 11 – Gabbard’s wife reports “erratic, impulsive and bizarre behavior” at the Ala Moana Center, prompting a protective-order petition.
- July 12, ~2:00 p.m. – Alleged “stranger danger” incident at a Waikiki hotel pool.
- July 16 – Arrest on a separate theft allegation.
- July 17 – Charged with second-degree custodial interference; no court date set for this charge.
- July 19 – Family statements released; Gabbard placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold at Queen’s Hospital.
- August 14 – Scheduled hearing for the theft charge.
Key Individuals
- Batarti Gabbard – Older brother of former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard; identified by police as the suspect.
- Tulsi Gabbard – Former DNI and former Hawaii congresswoman; has not commented publicly.
- Mike Gabbard – Hawaii State Senator, father of Batarti and Tulsi.
- Carol Gabbard – Mother of Batarti and Tulsi.
- Kimberly Gabbard – Batarti’s wife of nearly ten years, petitioner for a protective order.
- Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Investigating and filing charges.
Official Statements & Responses
HPD described the case as a “Stranger Danger Incident,” noting the suspect’s offer of gum and money and his request for the children’s names. The department confirmed that Batarti Gabbard is no longer in police custody pending the custodial-interference charge.
Mike Gabbard told reporters that his son continues to receive psychiatric treatment and asked the public to pray for his “speedy recovery.” The family’s written statement emphasized a decade of relative stability followed by recent erratic behavior they attribute to marijuana use.
Kimberly Gabbard filed a protective-order petition, citing fears for her safety after witnessing her husband’s “gravely disabled (psychotic break)” behavior the day before the hotel incident.
On-the-Ground Reports
A 42-year-old woman alerted police to the alleged incident after observing the suspect’s approach. Witnesses reported that the children declined the offer and that the suspect left the pool area without further contact.
Data & Statistics
- Charge: Second-degree custodial interference (one count).
- Additional charge: Theft (one count, pending Aug. 14 hearing).
- Mental-health history: Diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic features; family reports recent delusions of being a “rock star.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Custodial status: Some sources state Gabbard “remains in police custody,” while others say he “is no longer in custody.”
- Court scheduling: No date has been set for the custodial-interference case, creating uncertainty about the next legal step.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The senator, however, told Fox News on Saturday night: 'We love him, and asked him to follow the protocol at the hospital, which he says he will do.” — Mike Gabbard, Hawaii State Senator
- “We’re praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others.” — Mike Gabbard, Hawaii State Senator
- “His family members and I have repeatedly encouraged him to seek psychiatric treatment due to his significant deterioration of his mental state and judgment,” — Kimberly Gabbard, wife
- “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,” — Kimberly Gabbard, wife
- “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,” — Mike Gabbard, father
Why It Matters
The case has drawn national attention because of Batarti Gabbard’s relationship to Tulsi Gabbard, a former intelligence chief whose tenure was closely scrutinized. The incident underscores challenges at the intersection of mental-health crises, criminal allegations involving minors, and the public’s expectation of accountability for individuals linked to high-profile political families.
