Tulsi Gabbard's Brother Charged After Trying to Lure Children in Hawaii

Tulsi Gabbard's older brother has been charged after allegedly attempting to lure several children to his hotel room in Waikīkī, according to police.

The Honolulu Police Department said Batarti Gabbard, also known as Bhakti Gabbard, 55, approached multiple children, including a 9-year-old boy, at the pool area of a Waikīkī hotel around 2 p.m. on July 12. Police said he offered the children gum and money to come to his hotel room. When they refused, he asked for their names and wrote them down in a notebook before walking away.

Gabbard was arrested and charged Friday, July 17, with second-degree custodial interference in connection with the incident, which police described as a "stranger danger" case. He pleaded not guilty. No court date has yet been set for that charge.

Gabbard had also been arrested July 16 on a separate theft charge. He pleaded not guilty to that charge as well and was released, with a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 14.

Family Statement on Mental Health

Gabbard's parents, Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard and his wife, Carol, addressed their son's condition in a written statement Friday. "Our oldest son Bhakti has had mental issues in the past but has been doing well for the last 10 years," they said. "Several days ago, he started acting erratically, as a result of smoking pot. 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."

The statement said a family member took Gabbard to Queen's Hospital for a psychological evaluation over the weekend. "Bhakti told the doctor they would find cocaine, ice and pot in his blood tests," his parents said. "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 later told Fox News Digital that his son continues to receive treatment. "We love him, and asked him to follow the protocol at the hospital, which he says he will do," he said. "We're praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others."

Gabbard's wife of nearly 10 years, Kimberly Gabbard, filed a petition for a protective order the same day he was charged, writing that on July 11, the day before the Waikīkī incident, she feared for her safety because he was experiencing what she described as a "gravely disabled" psychotic break.

Who Is Tulsi Gabbard?

Tulsi Gabbard, 45, served as U.S. director of national intelligence under President Trump before resigning from the role in May, citing her husband's deteriorating health. She previously represented Hawaii in Congress as a Democrat before shifting her political alignment in recent years.

Gabbard could not be reached for comment on her brother's charges, and her office did not respond to requests for comment from multiple outlets. Honolulu Police confirmed Gabbard's brother is no longer in custody.

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