Shocking Arrest: Prominent Washington State Senator Nabbed Carrying Loaded Firearm Through Hong Kong Airport!

According to local court and public broadcaster RTHK, an American politician was arrested in Hong Kong for mistakenly carrying a gun into the city. Washington state senator, Jeff Wilson, was arrested at the Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday. He has been charged with possessing a firearm without a license. On Monday, he appeared in the Sha Tin Magistrates Court and was subsequently granted bail.

In a statement posted on his website, Stephen J. Wilson, the Republican state senator, admitted to unintentionally carrying his pistol in his briefcase while traveling with his wife for a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia. He expressed regret and anticipated a swift resolution to the situation.

Wilson claimed that he came across the weapon while on a flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong. It was revealed in the statement that he was unaware that his pistol was in his briefcase when he went through airport security in Portland, and the screeners at the baggage check did not detect it.

Wilson stated that upon the plane's arrival in Hong Kong, he promptly approached customs officials and brought the matter to their attention. CNN has made contact with Portland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration, and the US Consulate in Hong Kong requesting their comments.

The Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong declined to comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings, as conveyed in an email response to CNN.

According to RTHK, Wilson's upcoming court hearing in Hong Kong is scheduled for October 30.

In Hong Kong, stringent gun control regulations prohibit the possession of any arms or ammunition without the authorization of the Commissioner of Police. This license is exclusively granted to police officers, armed security guard services, and members of exclusive shooting range clubs. In stark contrast to the United States, where firearms have become the leading cause of death for children and teenagers, incidents of gun violence in Hong Kong are exceptionally uncommon.

In Washington state, individuals are allowed to openly carry both long guns and handguns without a license, permitting them to possess firearms in various public areas. However, private property owners retain the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. On the other hand, carrying concealed firearms in the state requires a valid license. Wilson emphasized that his pistol is registered in Washington state and confirmed that he possesses a concealed pistol license.