OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington senator arrested at Hong Kong International Airport after he discovered his own revolver in his carry-on luggage had his charges dismissed, according to a release.
Washington state Senator Jeff Wilson, a Republican out of Longview, was charged with possession of an unregistered firearm after he landed in Hong Kong on Oct. 20 after a flight from San Francisco. The senator was detained for three days before he was released on Oct. 23.
A Chinese court dismissed Wilson's charges on Sunday.
According to a release, Wilson went directly to customs authorities to disclose that he unintentionally brought an unloaded revolver in his briefcase.
“This was a mistake on my part, and I regret it,” Wilson said. “I packed quickly and failed to check the contents of my briefcase. Over the Pacific, I reached into my briefcase for gum and felt my gun instead. My heart sank. I understood immediately what had happened, and that my only option was to report to the proper authorities, cooperate fully, and respect the laws of the land where my plane was about to touch down.”
A release from Wilson's office said "press accounts" that indicate the weapon was discovered during a bag check are false.
Wilson said he found the revolver mid-flight between San Francisco and Hong Kong when he was searching for gum.
“The Chinese authorities conducted themselves in a professional manner, and I commend them for their diligence,” Wilson said. “The mistake, after all, was fully mine. I am relieved we were able to resolve this matter efficiently, and I want to apologize for the concern I created."