US House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff was arrested Tuesday night for suspected driving under the influence of after crashing into a police vehicle following President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
Hayden Haynes was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence and later released. DUI could mean driving under the influence of alcohol, or it may mean driving under the influence of drugs.
The arrest occurred shortly after President Trump, with Mr. Johnson seated behind him, concluded his first address to a joint session of Congress since returning to office.
In a statement, US Capitol Police said that Haynes “backed into a parked vehicle” just before midnight. Officers arrived at the scene and arrested the driver, according to the statement.
Speaking to reporters, Johnson said he has known Haynes for over a decade, describing him as “trusted and respected” and affirming his “full faith and confidence” in his leadership.
In a statement, Johnson’s spokesperson said the speaker was “aware of last night’s incident involving his Chief of Staff and the Capitol Police” and noted that Haynes has an “esteemed reputation among Members and staff alike.”
Haynes, a longtime trusted aide to Johnson, has served as the speaker’s chief of staff since the Louisiana Republican assumed the role in 2023.
