By Roxroy Ballers
Earlier this month, California Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D), a former police officer who is running for Sacramento County Sherriff, left a loaded handgun in a carry-on bag while trying to get through a federal checkpoint at the Sacramento International Airport.
While the incident is under investigation, so far there has been no citation and the lawmaker has been given back his gun and sent on his way.
The Sacramento Bee reports that last year nearly 6,000 people nationwide were “caught” with a gun in carry-on luggage at TSA Airport Checkpoints. Most of these individuals were licensed concealed carriers who, on accident, forgot to properly check their firearms.
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As the NRA-ILA noted in its coverage of this incident, the consequences of a loaded gun in an airport can come from both state and federal authorities, meaning there is the potential for a double whammy for violating both California law (which may include jail time, a fine, or both) and Federal law (which may include a civil fine of $3,000 to $10,000).
According to SacBee, Assemblyman Cooper’s gun was stored for him while on his trip and then returned to him when he arrived back in Cali. So far, no citation, fines, or jail time — just a nod and wink for the former man in blue.
The NRA, given the plight of Jim Cooper, has graciously offered to partner on legislation that would help de-criminalize this type of accident for ordinary citizens as well as California big shots.
In a twist of irony, the NRA also notes that Jim Cooper, despite taking advantage of his right to carry, has actually authored legislation that would criminalize the “traditional right of Americans to make their own firearms for personal use without government interference.”
We can only hope that this mishap works to change Cooper’s perspective and that instead of looking to trample 2A rights, he looks to expand them for everyday Californians by supporting shall-issue carry laws.
Because the right to freely carry firearms for self-defense applies to all law-abiding citizens, not just those in positions of power.