Title: Washington State Senator Arrested in Hong Kong after Boarding Flight with Unloaded Firearm
Subtitle: Sen. Jeff Wilson blames TSA for “honest mistake” and calls for improved security measures
October 24, 2023, 3:30 PM ET
U.S. officials are currently investigating an incident in which Washington state Sen. Jeff Wilson boarded a flight to Hong Kong with an unloaded firearm in his carry-on luggage. The incident has raised concerns about airport security and has prompted Wilson to call for improved measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
According to a statement from Wilson, he discovered the firearm in his carry-on luggage while on the flight and proceeded to report it to customs officials upon landing in Hong Kong. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson confirmed that Wilson had passed through security in Portland with the firearm in his bag and had connected for a flight to Hong Kong without going through additional screening at San Francisco International Airport.
“The TSA takes this situation very seriously and is currently investigating the circumstances,” the spokesperson stated.
Wilson has characterized the incident as “an honest mistake,” stating that he discovered the weapon mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong when he reached into his briefcase and felt the firearm. He emphasized that he immediately reported it to customs officials upon landing. However, in an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting, Wilson blamed the TSA for failing to detect the firearm during the security check in Portland, stating that he should have never been out of security in America.
The senator has since been arrested in Hong Kong and charged with possession of an unregistered firearm. He was released on Sunday after posting bail but faces a hearing on October 30, according to Wilson.
The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of TSA’s security protocols and the potential loopholes that allowed a state senator to unknowingly board a flight with a firearm. Wilson’s case highlights the need for enhanced training for baggage screeners and stricter enforcement of security measures at airports across the country.
Traveling with his wife on the first leg of a five-week vacation in Southeast Asia, Wilson expressed his concern and frustration over the incident. However, he remains committed to bringing attention to the situation in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about airport security, with TSA reporting record numbers of firearms being intercepted in carry-on luggage. The agency has stated that it is on track to intercept a record number of firearms at U.S. airports this year, catching an average of 20 guns per day.
As the investigation continues, calls for improved security measures are expected to intensify, urging TSA to address potential shortcomings in its protocols and ensure the safety of all passengers.
ABC News’ Karson Yiu contributed to this report.