Bhakti Gabbard, the brother of former Trump administration official Tulsi Gabbard, was arrested for attempting to lure children at a hotel pool in Waikiki.
The incident took place on July 12. The suspect, 55, allegedly approached multiple children and offered them money to come to his hotel room. When the children declined, he asked for their names and wrote them down in a notebook.
Authorities identified Gabbard as the older brother of former intelligence official Tulsi after his arrest on July 16 for a theft offense. He was charged with second-degree custodial interference for the incident with children and has pleaded not guilty to the theft.
Gabbard’s parents, Senator Mike Gabbard and Carol, issued a statement pointing to their son’s mental health issues.
“Several days ago, he started acting erratically, as a result of smoking pot,” they said. “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,” they continued.
They noted that a family member had taken their son to received a psychological evaluation at Queen’s Hospital on Saturday.
“Bhakti told the doctor they would find cocaine, ice and post in his blood tests. And this evening he was admitted for a 72-hour hold at Queen’s, while they continue to monitor him an decide next steps,” they said.
Tulsi Gabbard could not be reached for comment.
Bhakti is due in court on August 14 for the theft case.
