By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The brother of former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was arrested and charged with second-degree custodial interference. He allegedly approached several children at a Waikiki hotel pool area, offering them gum and money to lure them to his room. The suspect, identified as Batarti Gabbard, also recently faced a separate theft charge. Gabbard’s parents stated that he has a history of mental health issues exacerbated by drug use, leading to erratic behavior and delusions. He was subsequently admitted for a 72-hour psychiatric evaluation.
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The Honolulu Police Department apprehended Bhakti Gabbard, the brother of former congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, in Waikiki on Sunday afternoon, following allegations of attempting to lure a 9-year-old boy into his hotel room. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. at a pool area within a Waikiki hotel, where Bhakti allegedly approached several children, including the young boy, offering them gum and money in an attempt to entice them to his room. He was also reportedly seen taking notes of the children’s names in a notebook, an action that has understandably raised significant concern and alarm.
Adding a layer of complexity and deeply troubling context to this arrest, it has been reported that Bhakti Gabbard was arrested just days prior, on Thursday, July 16th, for a separate theft offense. He appeared in court the following morning, where he entered a plea of not guilty to the theft charge. He was subsequently released, with his next court appearance for that matter scheduled for August 14, 2026. This pattern of repeated legal entanglements within a short period has drawn considerable attention and raised questions about his current state and circumstances.
In the wake of the arrest, Bhakti Gabbard’s parents, Senator Mike Gabbard and Carol Gabbard, released a statement that offers a glimpse into their son’s recent struggles. They acknowledged that Bhakti has experienced mental health issues in the past, though they stated he had been managing them well for the preceding decade. However, according to their statement, his behavior began to change erratically several days before the incident, which they attributed to smoking marijuana. The statement further explained that his wife had asked him to leave their home, leading him to sleep on the streets. He had reportedly given away his car to a homeless individual, lost his identification and phone, and was without money. The statement also mentioned that he had begun referring to himself by new names, Batarti and Jim Morrison Jr., indicating delusional thoughts of being a rock star.
The family’s explanation, particularly the connection drawn between marijuana use and such deeply disturbing behavior, has been met with widespread skepticism and disbelief. Many observers have found the assertion that casual drug use would lead to such an extreme behavioral shift, specifically involving attempts to lure a child, to be an inadequate and perhaps disingenuous explanation for what appears to be a much more serious underlying issue. The idea that marijuana alone could be the sole catalyst for these actions has been widely questioned, with many suggesting that the situation points to more profound psychological or psychiatric problems that may have been exacerbated, rather than solely caused, by substance use.
The context of the Gabbard family’s broader public profile, particularly their association with a religious group known as the Science of Identity Foundation, has also been brought into the discussion by some commentators. This background has led to speculation and concern, with some suggesting that the family’s history and beliefs might be relevant to understanding the circumstances surrounding Bhakti’s behavior. The idea that such troubling incidents can emerge from within families that may hold unconventional beliefs or have past associations with groups viewed with suspicion has been a recurring theme in public discourse surrounding the event.
Furthermore, the timing of Bhakti Gabbard’s arrest and the nature of the allegations have been viewed by some through a political lens, particularly given Tulsi Gabbard’s past political career and her alignment with certain conservative factions. The juxtaposition of a serious criminal allegation involving a child with the political landscape has led to a range of commentary, from outright condemnation to attempts to link it to broader political narratives or perceived moral failings within certain political groups. The accusations of pedophilia, a recurring and serious concern in public discourse, have been prominently raised by many commenting on the situation.
The response from the children involved and the authorities has been highlighted as a positive aspect of the incident. The fact that the children refused the advances and that an adult bystander reportedly observed the behavior and alerted the authorities has been lauded as a crucial intervention that likely prevented a more tragic outcome. The swift and decisive action by the Honolulu Police Department in apprehending Bhakti Gabbard has also been acknowledged, underscoring the importance of vigilance and timely police response in such sensitive situations. The successful intervention by vigilant individuals and the subsequent police action are seen as vital safeguards in protecting vulnerable children.