WA state lawmaker says gun in carry-on bag was ‘honest mistake’ after Hong Kong arrest
Washington state Sen. Jeff Wilson released a statement to the public on Monday after his arrest at Hong Kong International Airport over the weekend for possessing an unregistered pistol.
“It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly,” Wilson said in the prepared statement.
The 63-year-old Republican lawmaker was arrested upon arrival in Hong Kong, according to a news outlet in China called The Standard that first broke the news.
“Wilson, traveling with his wife, was on the first leg of a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia,” the statement reads. “Wilson did not realize his pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, and baggage screeners failed to note it.”
McClatchy is still waiting on a response from the Transportation Security Administration to determine what prevented proper security protocols.
Wilson’s statement also said that the senator discovered the unloaded pistol mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong when trying to find gum in his briefcase. He then reported it to customs officials when the plane landed.
He was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and released on $2,556 bail. His next hearing date is scheduled for Oct. 30, according to The Chinook Observer. Wilson was required to surrender his travel documents while he awaits that hearing.
“Press accounts indicating that the weapon was discovered during a bag check are incorrect,” Wilson added in his statement.
He also noted that while the weapon is unregistered in Hong Kong, it is registered properly in Washington state and that he holds a concealed pistol license.
The Standard reported that Wilson and his wife scolded the media waiting outside the courthouse for taking photos of them, and demanded the photos be deleted. Media then left accompanied by security guards.
“Accounts of an altercation are a bit overblown,” said Erik Smith, communications director for Sen. Wilson.
Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, also released a statement regarding the situation on Monday.
“We are learning about the incident with Sen. Wilson at the same time as the press and public here in America,” said Braun. “As I understand it, this 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.”
The Standard reported that Wilson is believed to be the first American state senator to be charged with this type of offense in Hong Kong.
Wilson represents the 19th Legislative District in Washington, including parts of Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, and Lewis Counties, as well as Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.
This story was originally published October 23, 2023 at 4:33 PM.
