Mike Johnson's right-hand man arrested for drunk driving

US House Speaker Mike Johnson's chief of staff was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of drunk driving after crashing into a police car, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.

Hayden Haynes was arrested on drunk driving charges and later released.

In a statement, US Capitol Police said Haynes "crashed into a parked vehicle" shortly before midnight. Officers responded to the scene and the driver was arrested, the statement said.

"The president is aware of last night's incident involving his aide and Capitol Police," said Johnson spokesman Taylor Hawley. "The president has known and worked closely with Hayden for nearly a decade and has trusted him to serve as his chief of staff throughout his tenure in Congress. Because of that, and Hayden's well-respected reputation among members and staff, the president has full faith and confidence in Hayden's ability to lead the team," he added.

Haynes is a longtime trusted aide to Johnson – a Louisiana Republican – and has served as the president's chief of staff since Johnson took over the role in 2023.

Haynes did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP, and it was not clear whether he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.