Shocking Incident in Waikiki: Brother of Tulsi Gabbard Facing Legal Charges
In a disturbing turn of events in Honolulu, Bhakti Gabbard, the older brother of former Hawaii Congresswoman and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has been arrested and charged following an incident that has sparked concerns over public safety and mental health.
The incident, described by authorities as a “stranger danger” situation, took place on the afternoon of Sunday, July 12, 2026, at a luxury hotel in Waikiki. According to reports from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), the suspect approached several children near the hotel pool area, including a 9-year-old boy.
Details of the Alleged Offence
The HPD reports that Bhakti Gabbard (who has reportedly been using the alias “Batarti”) attempted to lure the children to his hotel room by offering them money and gum. During the encounter, he allegedly asked the children for their names and recorded them in a notebook. Fortunately, the children refused his offers, and the situation was reported to the police by a 42-year-old woman who witnessed the event.
As a result of these actions, Gabbard has been charged with second-degree custodial interference. This arrest follows another legal complication, as he was detained just a day prior, on July 16, for a separate theft offence.
Family Statement: A Struggle with Mental Health
The family of Bhakti Gabbard, including his parents, Senator Mike Gabbard and Carol Gabbard, have released a heartbreaking statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding their son’s behaviour. They revealed that Bhakti has a history of mental health struggles, though he had been stable for the last decade.
The family suggests a recent relapse triggered a severe psychological episode:
- n
- Substance Abuse: The family attributes his erratic behaviour to the use of marijuana.
- Psychological Delusions: They stated that he has been experiencing delusions, renaming himself “Batarti” and “Jim Morrison Jr.,” believing himself to be a rock star.
- Housing Crisis: Due to his instability, he had been sleeping on the streets after being asked to leave his home.
Bhakti Gabbard was subsequently taken to Queen’s Hospital ER for a psychiatric evaluation and placed on a 72-hour hold to determine the necessary medical and psychological next steps.
Current Legal Status
Regarding the theft charge, Bhakti Gabbard appeared in court on Friday morning and pleaded not guilty. He has been released and is scheduled for a follow-up court appearance on August 14, 2026. However, a court date for the custodial interference charge has not yet been determined.
This case highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice and mental health crises. For those seeking information on supporting loved ones through mental health emergencies, resources like the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) provide professional guidance and support.
