WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — A staffer for Sen. Cory Booker was arrested Monday after carrying a firearm on Capitol grounds, according to U.S. Capitol Police (USCP).

Authorities said a member of Congress led the staffer past security screening at the Hart Senate Office Building in the afternoon. Later that evening, outside the Senate Galleries, the staffer informed officers that he was armed.

The staffer, identified as 59-year-old Kevin A. Batts of New Jersey, is a retired law enforcement officer. USCP said he was arrested and charged with carrying a pistol without a license.

“All weapons are prohibited from Capitol Grounds, even if you are a retired law enforcement officer or have a permit to carry in another state or the District of Columbia,” USCP said in a statement.

The arrest came as Booker made headlines for breaking a nearly 70-year-old record with the longest speech ever delivered on the Senate floor. The New Jersey Democrat spoke for more than 25 hours against the policies and proposed budget cuts of the Trump administration.

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Booker began speaking around 7 p.m. Monday and continued past 8 p.m. Tuesday, surpassing the previous record held by Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, who filibustered for 24 hours and 18 minutes against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.