Washington state senator Jeff Wilson arrested in Hong Kong

A Washington state senator was arrested in Hong Kong for having a gun in his carry-on as he went through the Chinese city’s airport, in what the Republican politician called “an honest mistake.”

Jeff Wilson, from Longview, Washington, was taken into custody after landing at the Hong Kong International Airport Saturday, according to media reports and a statement posted on his website.

Wilson was traveling with his wife for a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia. He appeared in court Monday and was released on bail.

His gun was not registered in Hong Kong but is registered in Washington, the statement said.

“It was an honest mistake, and I expect the situation to be resolved shortly,” Wilson was quoted as saying.

According to Wilson’s website, he did not realize his pistol was in his briefcase when he passed through airport security in Portland, and baggage screeners there failed to spot it.

The politician had discovered the unloaded firearm in his possession mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong and reported it to customs authorities on landing.

Wilson had to surrender his travel documents after a hearing Monday at the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts, the local newspaper, The Standard, reported. It said the next hearing will take place at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on Oct. 30.

Under Hong Kong law, carrying a firearm without a license is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a $12,800 fine, but offenders are typically sentenced to a maximum of 2 years.

Washington state’s Senate Republican leader John Braun said he was following the situation surrounding Wilson’s arrest closely and hoped it would be resolved in a timely manner.

“We are learning about the incident with [Wilson] at the same time as the press and public here in America. As I understand it, this was an honest mistake,” Braun said in a statement.

With Post wires