A United States of American Senator, has been detained in Hong Kong for illegal possession of firearm, calling it an “honest mistake.”
According to the charge sheet, Washington State senator, Jeff Wilson was detained on Saturday at Hong Kong International Airport and accused of possessing a handgun without a license, a crime that a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail term and a fine exceeding $12,000.
It was reported that Wilson appeared before the Sha Tin Magistrates‘ Court on Monday and given bail.
In a statement released on his website, the Repblican State Senator, whose full name is Stephen Jeff Wilson, said that he was unaware that, when he and his spouse were taking a five-week vacation to Southeast Asia, he had stowed his pistol in his briefcase.
Jeff wilson’s next court date is slated for October 30, 2023 in Hong Kong.
No one is permitted to own any weapons or ammunition in Hong Kong without a licene from commissioner of police due to the city’s severe gun control regulations.
Only police officers, armed security guard services, and owners of private shooting range clubs are granted license.
Unlike the United States, where firearms are currently leading the cause of death for teenagers, adolescents, gun violence is predominantly absent in Hong Kong.
In the state of Washington, open carry permits people to carry pistols and long weapons in public places without a permit, however, private property owners may forbid firearms on their properties.
