Tulsi Gabbard's Brother Accused of Luring Children to Hotel Room in Hawaii, Faces Legal Action

Batarti Gabbard, the elder brother of former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has been accused of attempting to lure children to his hotel room in Hawaii by offering them money and chewing gum, according to Honolulu police.

Police have registered a case of second-degree custodial interference following the alleged incident, which took place at a hotel in Waikiki on 12 July.

Alleged incident near hotel swimming pool

According to investigators, the incident occurred at around 2 pm in the swimming pool area of the hotel, where several children were present.

Police allege that Batarti Gabbard, 55, approached the children, began speaking with them, asked for their names and wrote the details in a notebook.

Investigators further claim he then offered the children chewing gum and money while attempting to persuade them to accompany him to his hotel room.

Among the children was a nine-year-old boy, who, along with the others, reportedly refused the offer. Batarti Gabbard then left the area.

A 42-year-old woman later reported the incident to police, prompting an investigation.

Authorities have described the case as a "stranger danger" incident involving the alleged attempted luring of children by an unknown adult.

Separate theft case

In a separate development, local television station KITV reported that Batarti Gabbard was arrested on 16 July in connection with an unrelated theft case.

He denied the allegations in court, entered a plea of not guilty, and was granted bail.

The next hearing in the theft case is scheduled for 14 August.

Police said no court hearing has yet been fixed in relation to the alleged child-luring case.

Honolulu police also confirmed that Batarti Gabbard is not currently in custody.

Father says son is receiving treatment

Tulsi Gabbard's father, Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, declined to comment on the allegations themselves but said his son is receiving treatment for mental health issues.

"We love him. We have asked him to follow the advice of the doctors at the hospital, and he has assured me to do so. We are praying for his speedy recovery, and we appeal to others to do the same," Mike Gabbard said.

The investigation into the alleged incident remains ongoing.