Local media reported that charges against a US senator arrested in Hong Kong for illegally possessing a firearm were dropped on Monday in exchange for a promise of “good behavior”.
Jeff Wilson, a Republican senator from northwestern Washington state, was arrested on October 21 for carrying an unloaded handgun in his carry-on luggage on a flight to Hong Kong.
According to Hong Kong media, Hong Kong prosecutors dropped charges against him during a hearing on Monday in exchange for the American elected official committing to two years of “good behavior.” His firearm was confiscated.
“It was a mistake on my part and I regret it,” the elected official said in a statement released by his office after the hearing.
The senator, who was vacationing in Southeast Asia with his wife, said he only realized halfway through that his briefcase contained his pistol, which passed security at the U.S. departure airport in San Francisco (West) without incident, and reported it to Hong Kong customs upon arrival.
“I packed my bags quickly and didn’t check the contents of my briefcase,” he added.
“Over the Pacific, I pulled some gum out of my briefcase and touched my gun instead. My heart sank.”
“The Chinese authorities behaved professionally,” the elected official emphasized.
Jeff Wilson said his passport has been returned to him and he will continue his journey with his wife.
Possession of weapons or ammunition without a license in Hong Kong carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison and a fine of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars (US$12,800).