WA state senator arrested for carrying gun
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HONG KONG – Sen. Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) was arrested at the Hong Kong airport Friday night after he discovered a pistol in his carry-on luggage and reported it to customs authorities.
Wilson has been charged with possession of an unregistered firearm. He was released Sunday after posting bail and faces a hearing on Monday.
“It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly,” he said.
Wilson said he did not realize his pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, and baggage screeners failed to notice it.
The weapon was discovered mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong, when Wilson reached into his briefcase for a piece of gum and felt his unloaded revolver inside. When the plane landed, he immediately went to customs officials and called their attention to the issue.
Media reports indicating that the weapon was discovered during a bag check are incorrect, Wilson said. Wilson noted that while his pistol was not registered in Hong Kong, it is properly registered in Washington state, and that he holds a concealed carry pistol license.
