The older brother of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been charged after Honolulu police say he allegedly tried to lure several children to his Waikīkī hotel room by offering them gum and money, as his family says he is continuing to receive psychiatric treatment.
Batarti Gabbard, 55, was charged with second-degree custodial interference after the July 12 “stranger danger” incident at a Waikīkī hotel pool, according to police.
Honolulu police allege Gabbard approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy, asked for their names, wrote them in a notebook and offered them money and gum if they would accompany him to his hotel room.
Fox News Digital obtained new comment from Gabbard’s father, Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, who declined to discuss the allegations, but confirmed his son continues to receive medical and psychiatric treatment.
“We love him, and asked him to follow the protocol at the hospital, which he says he will do,” Mike Gabbard told Fox News Digital. “We’re praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others.”
Fox News Digital also reached out to Tulsi Gabbard through her public office and left a voicemail requesting comment.
She did not immediately respond.
Police said the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on July 12 at the pool area of an unnamed Waikīkī hotel, where Batarti Gabbard allegedly approached several children.
According to police, the children refused and Gabbard walked away.
A 42-year-old woman reported the incident to police.
According to KITV, Gabbard had also been arrested July 16 on charges of theft.
He pleaded not guilty to the theft charge Friday morning, was released and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 14 in that case.
KITV reported that no court date has yet been set on the custodial interference charge.
Honolulu Police confirmed to Fox News Digital that Gabbard is no longer in custody.
