Batarti (Bhakti) Gabbard — Legal Incident (July 2026)

Tulsi Gabbard's older brother, Bhakti "Batarti" Gabbard, was arrested on July 17, 2026, following a "stranger danger" incident in Waikīkī; his family says the behavior resulted from a severe mental health crisis.

Details of the Alleged Incident

The incident took place at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the pool area of a hotel in Waikīkī. According to the Honolulu Police Department, Batarti Gabbard approached several children, including a 9-year-old boy. Witnesses reported that he asked for the children's names and wrote them down in a notebook. He then allegedly offered them gum and money in an attempt to persuade them to join him in his hotel room. When the children refused, he walked away. Following an investigation, he was positively identified and taken into custody five days later. KITV Island News Newsweek

Family Statement and Mental Health Context

In a joint statement, Batarti's father, Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, and his mother, Carol Gabbard, clarified that Batarti was experiencing a significant mental health episode. They described him as having a history of mental health struggles and noted that he had begun "acting erratically" in the days leading up to the incident.

• Current Status: The family confirmed that he is now receiving intensive psychiatric treatment.
• Public Reaction: His family expressed deep concern for the children involved while asking for privacy as they navigate Batarti's medical needs.

Legal Charges and Court Proceedings

Batarti Gabbard has been officially charged with Second-Degree Custodial Interference. While this charge typically involves the unauthorized taking or enticing of a minor from their legal guardian, in this context, it pertains to the alleged attempt to lure the children away from the pool area.

• Other Offenses: Reports indicate he was also released pending a court appearance on August 14, 2026, for a separate theft offense.
• Political Context: Despite his sister Tulsi's prominent role in the Republican party and her service as Director of National Intelligence, public records indicate that Batarti has remained registered as a Democrat. KITV Island News Thought Catalog

Family and Siblings

Tulsi Gabbard is the fourth of five children born to Mike and Carol Gabbard. All five siblings were given Hindu names, reflecting their family's spiritual background and practice of Bhakti Yoga. Her siblings include:

• Bhakti (Batarti) Gabbard: Her older brother, who has historically remained registered as a Democrat despite Tulsi's shift to the Republican Party.
• Vrindavan Gabbard: Her sister, who has worked as a U.S. Marshal.
• Aryan and Jai Gabbard: Her other two brothers.

The family has a multicultural heritage, with their father being of Samoan and European descent and their mother being of German/Caucasian descent. The Times of India Instagram