US state senator says carrying gun into Hong Kong was ‘honest mistake’
- Washington State Senator Jeff Wilson arrested last Saturday on suspicion of possessing gun without licence
- He appeared at Sha Tin Court on Monday and was released on bail ahead of next appearance on October 30
A US state senator has called his arrest in Hong Kong on suspicion of possessing a gun without a licence the result of an “honest mistake” after he forgot he had the firearm in his briefcase until he was on a flight to the city.
Jeff Wilson, a Republican senator from Washington state, was arrested by Hong Kong police at the city’s airport last Saturday for carrying a revolver in his luggage and granted bail after a court appearance on Monday.
“It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly,” the 63-year-old said.
According to information posted on Wilson’s homepage on the website for Washington state’s Senate Republican Caucus, the politician had not realised the unloaded gun was in his briefcase as he passed through airport security in Portland for a five-week holiday in Southeast Asia with his wife.
Baggage screeners at the airport did not notice the gun either, he added. He transferred in San Francisco and then discovered the weapon mid-flight while searching his luggage for another item, according to the website.
He declared the firearm to Hong Kong customs upon arrival.
A court charge sheet stated that Wilson was arrested for possession of a firearm without licence.
Wilson appeared at Sha Tin Court on Monday and was released on bail pending his next appearance on October 30.
In Hong Kong, possessing a gun without a licence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison and a HK$100,000 (US$12,780) fine.
The state senator said he held a concealed pistol licence valid in Washington state.
Wilson left the United States to visit Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia on the personal trip and also planned to meet officials in Shanghai in his capacity as a port commissioner for his state.
