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:
It was an honest mistake and I hope the situation is resolved soon. Wilson said he didn't realize his gun was in his briefcase when he went through airport security in Portland, and baggage screeners didn't notice. Wilson said he discovered the gun mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong, when he reached into his briefcase for a piece of gum and felt his unloaded revolver inside. When the plane landed, he immediately went to the customs officials and brought the matter to their attention.
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.
