Senator Jeff Wilson released on bail after being arrested in Hong Kong for weapons possession
The Washington state Republican claimed that the whole situation was "an honest mistake" claiming that he discovered the "gun in his carry-on luggage" and decided to report it "to the authorities."
Senador de Washington, Jeff Williams (Official legislative portrait. Credit: Washington State Senate).
Washington State Republican Senator, Jeff Wilson, was released on bail after being arrested at Hong Kong International Airport (China) for carrying a weapon that was unlicensed and unregistered in that city. The reason for the trip was a five-week vacation with his wife.
According to local media, after being detained, the senator appeared before a court where his identification documents were withheld. The judge imposed a ban on him leaving the city and a bail of around $2,500 to be released. He will face another hearing on October 30.
In a statement on his website, the senator declared that the entire situation was "an honest mistake" alleging that he discovered the "gun in his carry-on luggage in the middle of a flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong" and decided to report it. "to the customs authorities" of that country:
Senator Jeff Wilson Detained and Arrested by Veronica Silveri on Scribd
The senator added that "while his pistol was not registered in Hong Kong, it is properly registered in Washington State and that he possesses a concealed pistol license."
Strict gun control in Hong Kong
Hong Kong law requires a license from the Police Commissioner (only issued to police and security guards) to possess a gun. Fines for failing to comply with the law start at about $12,800 and violators can also be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison.
In Washington state it is legal to carry handguns without a license in public places. However, a license is required to carry a concealed weapon.
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