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.
SEE ALSO: Airplane Mode: How To Fly With A Firearm
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.
Well, isn’t that special?
I am a concealed handgun permit holder in my state. Was traveling to California for a one month work/ vacation about 8 years ago. Since California does not recognize my Constitutional right to have a gun for self defense. I could not fly there, even if I declare it and transport it on my flight in checked baggage.
SO I DROVE and still had my weapon with me.
I don’t recognize California’s right to stop me, just as much as the state of California has a “right” to prevent me, so I do ignore an unconstitutional law.
One more case of “do as I say , not as I do”
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. ”
Forget you have a loaded handgun in your carry on bag and this guy was a cop at one time?? WOW! What a jerk!
The statute at the beginning states “a retired police officer”. The following article states “a former police officer”. I’m sure that this is one of those “grey areas” with the statute.
Book him, Dan-O!
How much justice can you afford?
Anyone want to pull the race card out of the deck?
I used to be a TSA Officer, and this would have NEVER happened if he werent a public figure…..periiod. Ive confiscated and recommended fining / prosecution for EVERY firearm left on carry on baggage., especially since we would get tested all the time to see if we found them. After that, becoming an LEO locally, I would help enforce the check point with a citation ALL THE TIME WITHOUT any judgement on WHO it was, but apparently this is not happening in sacremento.
In my opinion, based on actual events, the TSA has the morals of cannibalistic rats!!!!
I wonder how the press would have handled this same situation if a white Republican or Libertarian was caught?
I knew, before even getting to the article, the Assemblyman had a D after his name. He will get off completely and it will get very limited press. Someone with who is that careless with a firearm should not be an Assemblyman or Sheriff.
California…..notorious for demonstrating:
Rules for thee……but NOT for me.
California is the most legislative state in the US & has the highest taxes nationwide…..
Hard to understand why California residents tolerate living in a society that is ruled in hypocrisy
I had a similar experience years ago, when this TSA thing was still in its infancy. At the last minute I decided to throw some additional items in a small backpack I could use as a carry-on. What I didn’t know was that there was a loaded magazine for my Makarov hiding in the bottom of it. As background, I had no reason to believe it was there; I was convinced that I had lost it while hiking in the Adirondacks the year before, and had replaced it. Of course the baggage screener found it. Alerted the police in the Airport. They verified I had a NY concealed carry permit, thought it was humorous. Five weeks later I get a blistering letter from the DOJ Federal Prosecutor for Western NY threatening me with everything but extinction. I obtained counsel who, over 8 months, managed to get the matter dropped by the Feds. Since the legal fees were only a small percentage of what the Federal fine would be I guess it was a good outcome. Still…glad I left NY, and (almost) glad my health no longer allows me to fly.
I’d have no problem with this IF EVERY LAW ABIDING CITIZEN were treated the same way. Since law abiding citizens are not treated the same screw him put his ass in jail.
How do you “forget you put your firearm in a carry on bag”? Everyone knows you can’t bring your firearm in your carry on. Why would you put it in there in the first place? Then there is the double standard of enforcement of the law. Oh don’t worry. We will just keep our here for you until you get back. No harm. No foul.
I can not believe that a former police officer could ever embrace the Democrats.
Because they Poop out one side of their Mouth…All Bull – No Truth
TSA ALWAYS issues a $10,000 fine for a first occurrence of a loaded firearm.
“……The TSA said it reserves the right to issue a civil penalty of up to $13,900 to individuals who bring weapons with them to a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating or aggravating circumstances……..”
So much for “ equality under the Law “ , eh ?
Imagine a retired white MAGA-hat wearing LEO trying to do that
Oh is he Black ???? Oh yea it makes sence now ! Kinda like being white and try getting a loan for a new truck !! California cant fall off soon enough !
He should be tried, convicted, fined and jailed.
The socialist woke-jokes crave illicit power and constraint for our lives but sell their souls to undisciplined hypocrisy to do what they pimp and posture We, the People, should not have or do. They need to be eradicated from the public forum.
Rules are for thee, not for me. Another race card pass.
That’s BS. Another entitled race card carrier. LE is no exemption to following the law. Would he get a pass if he was white? NO