(Scypre.com) – In a notable incident that unfolded shortly after former President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, Hayden Haynes, Chief of Staff to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI) near the U.S. Capitol.
According to the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), the arrest occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Tuesday, approximately an hour after Trump’s speech concluded. A USCP spokesperson stated, “A driver backed into a parked vehicle last night around 11:40 p.m. We responded and arrested them for DUI.”
Haynes was taken into custody at the scene. Subsequent reports indicated that he struggled to complete a field sobriety test.
Haynes has been a long-standing associate of Speaker Johnson, having worked in his office since 2017 and ascending to the role of Chief of Staff in October 2023. Prior to his tenure on Capitol Hill, Haynes managed Johnson’s 2016 congressional campaign. He is a Louisiana native, holding a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University and a graduate degree from Gonzaga University.
In response to the incident, Speaker Johnson’s office released a statement expressing continued support for Haynes:
“The Speaker is aware of the encounter that occurred last night involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police. 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. 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.”
Following his arrest, Haynes was formally charged with DUI. He entered a plea of not guilty during an initial court appearance in April. The case is currently pending, with further proceedings scheduled in the coming months.
The arrest has garnered significant attention, given its timing immediately after a high-profile political event. While Speaker Johnson has maintained his support for Haynes, the incident has sparked discussions about staff conduct and accountability within political circles.