Tea Party Patriots Leader Arrested With Gun at NYC Airport

Submitted by Anonymous on December 16, 2011 - 7:12am

National tea party leader Mark Meckler was arrested at LaGuardia Airport Thursday after trying to check in a handgun on his flight.

Meckler's Glock 27 and ammunition were locked in a safe and presented to a flight attendant at the Delta counter. He reportedly told authorities he needed the gun for protection after receiving threats.

Because he did not have a New York State license to carry the weapon, the Tea Party Patriots co-founder was charged with second degree possession of an illegal weapon.

Meckler's attorney Brian Stapleton said the tea leader, also a lawyer, holds a concealed-carry permit in California. But New York does not have a reciprocity agreement with that state.

The New York charge carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

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