Capitol Police arrested House Speaker Mike Johnsonâs chief of staff Tuesday night for allegedly driving under the influence.
Hayden Haynes, who has worked with the Louisiana Republican for nearly a decade, was taken into custody about 45 minutes after President Trumpâs speech to a joint session of Congress.
âA driver backed into a parked vehicle last night around 11:40 p.m. We responded and arrested them for DUI,â Capitol Police said in a statement.
The law enforcement agency confirmed that it was Haynes who was arrested.
Haynesâ arrest was first reported by NBC News.
A spokesman for Johnson indicated that the House speaker, who sat directly behind Trump during last nightâs speech, has “confidenceâ in Haynes despite the incident.
âThe Speaker is aware of the encounter that occurred last night involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police,â Taylor Haulsee said in a statement.
âThe Speaker has known and worked closely with Hayden for nearly a decade and trusted him to serve as his Chief of Staff for his entire tenure in Congress,â the Johnson staffer added. âBecause of this and Haydenâs esteemed reputation among Members and staff alike, the Speaker has full faith and confidence in Haydenâs ability to lead the Speakerâs office.â
Johnson expressed his support for his chief of staff when asked by reporters on Capitol Hill about the incident.
“I am. I am,” the House speaker told NBC News when asked if he was standing by Haynes.Â
“Iâve worked with him. Heâs trusted and respected. And he has my full faith and confidence,â Johnson told Politico.
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