Assemblyman Tim Donnelly dodged questions of whether or not he possessed a legal permit to carry a concealed gun.
Carrying a concealed weapon onto an airplane is still illegal in California, but questions were raised whether Donnelly had a right to carry a concealed weapon at all.
Following his misdemeanor citation at an Ontario Airport for carrying a loaded .45-caliber handgun in his carryon briefcase, Donnelly was asked by the Sacramento Bee if he carried a concealed weapons permit at the time of his citation.
Donnelly, who resides in Twin Peaks in San Bernardino County, said the question had “already been spoken to” and was not “something I need to address.”
According to the newspaper, Nico Melendez, spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, said he believed Donnelly did not have a concealed weapons permit.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s and both Sacramento's police and sheriff's departments said they have not issued concealed weapons permits to Donnelly.
Donnelly, who has , does not have a weapons permit to carry a gun to the State Capitol, according to Assembly officials.
The self-described Minuteman and Tea Partier told reporters that the , and that he had been carrying the weapon in self defense following death threats he said he received because of t.
He thanked his, stating, "To those who are upset with me, you have every right to express that. It's a free country!"
Donnelly has been a strong advocate for.
In May, Donnelly, who currently represents Glendora and other San Gabriel communities until new redistricting boundaries take effect this year, joined ” from misdemeanors to felonies. He has also been to save the state from debt.
Donnelly’s misdemeanor gun citation is punishable by a sentence of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. TSA could also fine Donnelly up to $10,000.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the San Bernardino County District Attorney's is still reviewing the case to determine final decision on the charges.
