Hayden Haynes, the chief of staff for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, was arrested on Tuesday night for suspected drunken driving after he backed his car into a parked police vehicle. The incident occurred shortly after former President Donald Trump delivered a speech to Congress, with Johnson present.
According to the U.S. Capitol Police, the arrest took place around 11:40 p.m. when officers responded to the scene. They confirmed that Haynes was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. However, he was not taken to jail; instead, he received a citation and is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks.
Johnson’s office acknowledged the situation on Wednesday, stating that Haynes had been involved in an "encounter" with the Capitol Police. A spokesperson for Johnson expressed confidence in Haynes, noting their long-standing working relationship and his respected reputation among colleagues.
The arrest raises questions about the potential implications for Johnson and his leadership team, especially given the timing of the incident following a significant event in Congress. Haynes’s case will be handled by the D.C. attorney general’s office, as local laws govern drunken driving offenses in the district.
This incident highlights the pressures and scrutiny that come with high-profile political positions, especially in the wake of major public events. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how the Speaker’s office addresses the matter moving forward.