A Washington state senator was arrested at a Hong Kong airport on charges of possessing a locally unregistered firearm, his office said on Monday.
Jeff Wilson, a Republican who represents parts of southwestern Washington State, discovered the weapon on his flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong when he reached into his briefcase for a piece of gum, his office said in a statement.
Baggage screeners in Portland, Ore., had failed to notice the unloaded pistol in his briefcase before he departed for his trip, letting it pass through airport security, according to his office.
When he landed at Hong Kong International Airport, he told customs officials there about the gun.
Mr. Wilson was arrested on Friday night, then released on bail on Sunday, his office said.
Persons:
Jeff Wilson, Wilson
Organizations:
Republican, Hong Kong International Airport
Locations:
Washington, Hong Kong, Washington State, San Francisco, Portland ,