Hong Kong
CNN
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An American politician has been arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of bringing guns into the city, according to a complaint seen by CNN. He called it an “honest mistake.”
Washington State Sen. Jeff Wilson was arrested Saturday at Hong Kong International Airport and charged with carrying a firearm without a license. The indictment states he could face up to 14 years in prison and a fine of more than $12,000.
Wilson appeared in the Sha Tin Magistrate's Court on Monday and was granted bail, according to public broadcaster RTHK.
Republican Senator Stephen J. Wilson says he did not know he and his wife had a handgun in their briefcase while they were on a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia. his website.
“It was an honest mistake. And I expect the situation to be resolved soon,” Wilson said in his statement.
“The weapons were discovered during a flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong,” Wilson said.
“He did not realize that his handgun was in his briefcase when he passed through security at Portland Airport, and the baggage screener failed to note this,” the statement added.
Wilson said in a statement that when the plane landed in Hong Kong, he “immediately went to customs officials and urged their attention to the matter.”
“TSA is aware that a passenger on a flight departing Portland International Airport on Saturday passed through security and was traveling with an unloaded firearm in his carry-on bag,” a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson said in an emailed response to CNN. said.
“The person was arrested as soon as he arrived in Hong Kong. “TSA is taking this situation very seriously and is currently investigating the situation.”
“Bringing a firearm into a TSA checkpoint can result in a fine of up to $15,000, and if you possess a firearm, you will be ineligible for TSA PreCheck for up to five years,” he added.
CNN has reached out to Portland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport for comment.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Consulate General said it was aware of the reports and could not comment further due to privacy concerns.
Hong Kong Customs told CNN in an email that it had no comment due to ongoing legal proceedings..
Wilson is scheduled for his next court hearing in Hong Kong on October 30, RTHK reported.
Under Hong Kong's strict gun control laws, no one is allowed to possess weapons or ammunition without permission from the police chief. Licenses are only granted to police officers, armed guards and private shooting range operators.
Unlike the United States, where guns are now the number one killer of children and teenagers, gun violence is very rare in Hong Kong.
In Washington state, open carry of both long guns and handguns is permitted without a license. This means that individuals can carry firearms in many public places. However, private property owners may prohibit firearms on their property. However, you do need a license to carry a concealed firearm in the state.
Wilson noted in his statement that his handgun is registered in Washington state and that he holds a concealed handgun license.