Why Tulsi Gabbard's brother is facing police charges

Batarti Gabbard, 55, also known as Bhakti, who is the elder brother of former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, was charged in relation to a “stranger danger incident" on July 12.

Gabbard’s brother allegedly lured many young kids into a hotel room with money and gum at a Hawaiian hotel resort, according to the Honolulu Police Department.

Tulsi Gabbard's brother faces police charges

The officials noted that the elder Gabbard approached minors, including a 9-year-old boy and offered them gum and money in exchange for accompanying him to his hotel room at around 2 pm. He also asked them to jot down their names in a notebook.

Police arrested Gabbard on Friday (July 17) and identified him as the suspect in the "stranger danger" case. The former US intel chief's older brother is reportedly charged with second-degree custodial interference.

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On Thursday (July 16), he was arrested in a separate theft case. After appearing in court on Friday, he pleaded not guilty to the theft charges, local broadcaster KITV reported.

He is scheduled to appear back in court for the theft charge on August 14. However, the report noted that no exact date has been fixed for the custodial interference case.

Honolulu Police confirmed that he is no longer in custody.

What did father, Mike Gabbard, say?

Gabbard's father, Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, said, “Our oldest son Bhakti has had mental issues in the past but has been doing well for the last 10 years," the New York Post reported, citing KITV.

“Several days ago, he started acting erratically, as a result of smoking pot. His wife kicked him out of the house, so he’s been sleeping on the streets."

“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," Mike added.

Gabbard was brought to a hospital by a family member. After his psychological evaluation, the doctor said that they discovered “cocaine, ice and pot in his blood tests.”

He was kept on a 72-hour hold at Queen’s Hospital under officials' surveillance, his parents noted.

"We love him, and asked him to follow the protocol at the hospital, which he says he will do. We're praying for his speedy recovery, and would appreciate the prayers of others," Mike told Fox News Digital.

With inputs from agencies