Tea Party Prez Arrested on Gun Charge



(New York City) The co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, Mark Meckler, was arrested Thursday for carrying a handgun into LaGuardia Airport. Meckler was observed trying to check "a locked gun box containing a Glock 27 pistol and 19 cartridges of ammunition."

Meckler told officers he needed the gun for protection due to threats on his life.

"He didn't have a correct understanding of the law," said Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, according to the Associated Press.

"Though he has a permit to carry in California, that did not cover him in the state of New York."

Meckler spent the day in jail and was arraigned in Queens Friday. This is a Class C felony with a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail.

"Before leaving home, passengers should acquaint themselves with the weapon laws of the jurisdiction that they are visiting and comply with any and all legal requirements if they choose to travel with a weapon," said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown in a statement. "Otherwise, they may find themselves being arrested and charged with a felony--as is what occurred in this case."

A felony rap with a 15-year stretch seems a bit harsh for someone who did not know New York law.