Washington state senator Jeff Wilson was detained in Hong Kong for bringing a pistol into the city, in what he has termed an "honest mistake."
He was taken into custody on Saturday, October 21, at Hong Kong International Airport and charged with possession of a firearm without a license, as per the document obtained by CNN. This is a serious crime that carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison and a fine of more than $12,000.
Washington State Senator Currently in Hong Kong Custody
According to RTHK, a public broadcasting organization in Hong Kong, Wilson made an appearance in the Sha Tin Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 23, and was granted bail.
In the statement that was published on his website, the Republican state senator claimed he was unaware that he had packed a gun in his briefcase. Wilson and his wife are off to Southeast Asia for their five-week vacation.
"It was an honest mistake. And I expect the situation to be resolved shortly," he stated.
Wilson said he found the firearm when they were on the flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong. According to the statement, he went through airport security in Portland without realizing his weapon was in his briefcase. Even the baggage screeners missed it.
Wilson added in the statement that as soon as the aircraft arrived in Hong Kong, he went straight to the customs officers and brought the matter to their notice.
RTHK reported that Wilson is scheduled to appear in court in Hong Kong on October 30 for his next scheduled hearing.
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Differences Between US and Hong Kong Firearms Laws
Without a license issued by the Commissioner of Police, it is illegal for anybody in Hong Kong to be in possession of any kind of firearm or ammunition. The gun control rules in Hong Kong are quite stringent. Licenses are exclusively issued to members of the military forces, armed security guard services, and exclusive shooting range club owners.
In contrast to the United States, where weapons are currently the leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults, gun violence is very uncommon in Hong Kong.
Open carry is permitted in the state of Washington for both long guns and pistols and does not need a license. This means that people are permitted to carry a weapon in many public spaces despite the fact that private property owners have the right to ban firearms on their land. However, in order to carry concealed guns in the state, one must first get the appropriate license.
Wilson said in his statement that he has a concealed pistol license and that the weapon in question was registered in the state of Washington.
