Capitol Police arrested House Speaker Mike Johnson’s 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 Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress.
“A driver backed into a parked vehicle last night around 11:40 p.m. We responded and arrested them for DUI,” Capitol Police said in a statement.
The law enforcement agency confirmed that it was Haynes who was arrested.
Haynes’ arrest was first reported by NBC News.
A spokesman for Johnson indicated that the House speaker, who sat directly behind Trump during last night’s speech, has “confidence” in Haynes despite the incident.
“The Speaker is aware of the encounter that occurred last night involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police,” Taylor Haulsee said in a statement.
“The 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,” the Johnson staffer added. “Because of this and Hayden’s esteemed reputation among Members and staff alike, the Speaker has full faith and confidence in Hayden’s ability to lead the Speaker’s office.”
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.
“I’ve worked with him. He’s trusted and respected. And he has my full faith and confidence,” Johnson told Politico.
