Washington State Sen. Jeff Wilson arrested for carrying firearm in bag at Hong Kong Airport.
A Washington State Senator Arrested at Hong Kong Airport for Carrying Firearm
A Washington state senator was arrested at the airport in Hong Kong on Oct. 20 after discovering a firearm in his carry-on bag that was not licensed there, according to a statement from his office.
Republican state Sen. Jeff Wilson was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and released two days later after posting bail of 20,000 Hong Kong dollars ($2,556), The Standard reported.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of seven to 14 years in jail and a fine of up to HK$100,000 (about $12,800) under Hong Kong’s strict gun control laws, which state that no individual is allowed to possess any arms or ammunition unless they hold a license from the Commissioner of Police.
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Mr. Wilson is set to appear for a hearing on the matter on Oct. 30.
According to his office, the Republican senator was traveling with his wife and was on the first leg of a five-week personal vacation to Southeast Asia when he discovered the pistol in his carry-on luggage while mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong.
While the pistol, reportedly a .38 caliber revolver, was not registered in Hong Kong, it is properly registered in Washington state, and Mr. Wilson holds a concealed pistol license, his office said.
The lawmaker—who is the ranking member of the Senate State Government & Elections Committee, and also sits on the Housing and Local Government, Human Services, and Transportation committees—said he had flown to Hong Kong from Portland International Airport where he had passed through airport security.
However, baggage screeners at Portland International Airport failed to detect the gun, his office said.
‘An Honest Mistake’
Mr. Wilson ”felt his unloaded revolver inside” when he reached into his briefcase for a piece of gum during the flight, according to his office. “When the plane landed, he immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue,” the statement said.
News reports that the weapon was discovered during a bag check were false, his office stressed.
“It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly,” the senator, who is also a port commissioner in Longview, said.
According to Mr. Wilson’s office, he is paying for the personal vacation trip at his own expense and plans to visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia in the coming weeks.
Mr. Wilson, who was first elected in 2020 and represents the 19th Legislative District in southwest Washington, also planned to meet with counterparts at the port of Shanghai, the statement said.
“Wilson said he hopes to resume his itinerary when the matter is resolved,” the statement added.
Airport Security Failures
State Senate Republican Leader John Braun told The Seattle Times on Monday that officials are only just learning of the incident involving Mr. Wilson but that they stand by his account that it was an “honest mistake.”
“I do not have any additional information to share at this point, but we are watching the situation closely. That said, I hope that this can be resolved in a timely manner,” Mr. Braun told the publication.
Meanwhile, Mr. Wilson told Oregon Public Broadcasting that he will remain in Hong Kong until his upcoming court hearing, and has been cooperating with law enforcement officials.
The Republican noted he is “quite happy and healthy.”
However, he stressed that officials at Portland International Airport should have spotted the gun in his carry-on bag.
“I should have never been out of security in America,” Mr. Wilson said. “We’re hopeful that I will successfully adjudicate this and look for a conclusion within a week, no problem,” he concluded.
The Epoch Times has contacted the Transportation Security Administration for further information.
What steps should be taken to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations regarding firearms and other restricted items when traveling internationally? What resources are available to assist travelers in understanding and navigating foreign gun control laws? How can travelers avoid unintentionally violating these laws and facing legal complications
, the Washington state senator has been cooperative with authorities in Hong Kong and has been fully transparent about the incident. He has expressed regret for the oversight and assured that it was unintentional. His office emphasized that he has a strong record of supporting Second Amendment rights and has always been a responsible gun owner.
While it is unfortunate that this incident occurred, it highlights the importance of adhering to the laws and regulations of the countries we visit. It is crucial for travelers to familiarize themselves with the local laws regarding firearms and other restricted items to ensure compliance and avoid any legal complications.
The strict gun control laws in Hong Kong indicate that the possession of firearms without a license is a serious offense, carrying severe penalties. If Mr. Wilson is convicted, he could face imprisonment of up to 14 years and a substantial fine. However, it is important to note that each case is evaluated on its own merits, and Mr. Wilson’s cooperation and immediate reporting of the incident may factor into the final outcome.
It is also worth noting that this incident does not reflect the values or actions of the entire Washington state legislature or Republican party. Senator Jeff Wilson’s position as a ranking member of the Senate State Government & Elections Committee and his involvement in various committees testifies to his dedication to public service and the wellbeing of his constituents.
Ultimately, it is crucial to remember that everyone can make mistakes, and it is our response to those mistakes that defines our character. Senator Jeff Wilson has taken responsibility for the oversight and is actively seeking resolution. As we await the outcome of his upcoming hearing, we can only hope for a fair and just evaluation of the circumstances surrounding this incident.
In the future, it is imperative for all travelers to thoroughly check their belongings before embarking on any
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