American politician arrested in Hong Kong for carrying gun, barred from leaving city
Jeff Wilson
A senior politician from the US was arrested in Hong Kong after he was found carrying a pistol in his carry-on luggage at the airport.
Jeff Wilson, a Republican senator from Washington, was arrested on Saturday (Oct 21) and then granted bail by the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts on Monday (Oct 23).
The court released him on a cash bail of HK$20,000 (US $2500 approx.) and ordered him to hand over his travel documents and not to leave Hong Kong, local media reported.
Hong Kong has strict gun laws
Hong Kong’s strict gun control laws bar possession of arms or ammunition without a license, with the maximum penalty of 14 years in jail and a HK$100,000 ($12,800) fine.
Licenses are only given to police officers, armed security guard services and operators of exclusive shooting range clubs.
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In Washington state, however, one is allowed to carry both long guns and handguns without a license, which means individuals can carry a firearm in many public areas, although private property owners may prohibit firearms on their property. However, a license is needed to carry concealed firearms in the state, reports CNN.
Legislator wasn't aware he was carrying pistol
The state legislator’s office issued a statement on Monday saying that Wilson wasn’t aware that his pistol was in the briefcase when he boarded the flight from San Francisco.
"It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly," his office said.
Wilson said he “discovered the weapon mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong.”
Wilson said he was travelling with his wife on a five-week personal vacation to Southeast Asia.
The next court hearing on Wilson’s case has been scheduled to October 30, RTHK outlet reported.
(With inputs from agencies)