Washington, D.C. – The chief of staff to House Speaker Mike Johnson was arrested Tuesday night. He was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after crashing into a police vehicle. The incident occurred shortly after former President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
Crash After Trump’s Speech
Authorities confirmed the crash happened late Tuesday night. The staffer, whose name has not been released, was allegedly intoxicated at the time. The police vehicle was parked near Capitol Hill when the collision occurred. No officers were inside the car during the crash.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud impact. Police quickly arrived at the scene. Officers administered field sobriety tests, which the staffer failed. He was immediately arrested and taken to a nearby police station.
Details of the Arrest
Sources close to the investigation said the suspect showed signs of impairment. He was slurring his speech and struggling to maintain balance. A breathalyzer test reportedly showed his blood alcohol content (BAC) was above the legal limit.
The arrest occurred near government buildings, adding to the political tension in the capital. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges will be filed.
Political Fallout
Speaker Mike Johnson’s office released a brief statement following the arrest. The statement confirmed they knew of the incident but declined to comment further. Sources suggest that Johnson is considering disciplinary action against his staffer.
Republican and Democratic lawmakers reacted to the news. Some called for accountability and responsibility from government officials. Others said the incident highlighted the dangers of impaired driving.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash. Surveillance footage from the area is being reviewed. The suspect could face DUI charges, reckless driving, and property damage penalties.
Authorities plan to release more details in the coming days. For now, the case remains under legal review. The House Speaker’s office will soon decide on the staffer’s employment status.
A Troubling Pattern?
This arrest raises concerns about behavior among high-level political staffers. Similar incidents in recent years have led to resignations and public scrutiny. The pressure of Washington politics often brings intense stress and long hours, but officials are expected to uphold high ethical standards.
For now, the case continues to develop. Updates are expected as investigators gather more evidence.