NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch was arrested in late January in Mexico after he was discovered with a concealed weapon while traveling.
Busch, who competes for Richard Childress Racing, released this statement on Monday:
“In late January, Samantha and I enjoyed a several day vacation in Mexico,” Busch said. “When departing the country, my handgun was flagged during routine screening at the airport. I have a valid concealed carry permit from my local authority and adhere to all handgun laws, but I made a mistake by forgetting it was in my bag.”
“Discovery of the handgun led to my detainment while the situation was resolved. I was not aware of Mexican law and had no intention of bringing a handgun into Mexico.”
“When it was discovered I fully cooperated with authorities, accepted the penalties and returned to North Carolina.”
I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter. My family and I consider this issue closed.”
The Cancun Sun reported that Busch was found with a .38 caliber handgun and hollow tip ammunition. The Cancun Sun reports that Busch was fined about $1,100 and sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. The report stated that it is unclear when that prison sentence would be served.
Oops . . . . bet he won’t serve a day in any prison. Don’t you wonder how he got it into the country? I’d be more concerned about who missed on the way out of the US . . . . . . . . . .
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Still.
You are allowed to fly in the USA with your weapon in a locked box with trigger lock unloaded in a checked baggage only . It sounds like He probably flew in with it in a Checked Bag. Then upon leaving tried to bring it in a carry on bag and it was caught in security check… Not too smart… Having a licence to carry you are supposed to know the laws and act accordingly … Bringing a loaded gun to the Airport in a checked bag is just stupid and thoughtless.. Just like everything else, some people know the rules and follow them , Others just think they can wing it …. Foolish ….Also going to another Country you need to know their laws.. etc… Hell many states don’t even recognize Carry permits form State to State you gotta know each States laws when traveling in the good old USA…
He was probably not flying on a commercial airline so it was easy to exit the US with a firearm. After sentencing he wasn’t detained by Mexican authorities so he obviously won’t be serving jail time.
Probably gave away plenty of swag, tickets, and VIP passes.
Carrying a gun should do wonders for his popularity below the Mason-Dixon line.
What kind of IDIOT, yes idiot, FORGETS where his firearm(s) are? Totally inexcusable. I wonder what sanctions NASCAR will impose for such an irresponsible act that reflects poorly on the sport and competitors. After all such a transgression is far more serious than a non-NASCAR member posting a boorish and offensive meme on facebook.
“Honey did you pack the gun? The Uber to the airport is going to be here any minute.”
Only in America!
Probably a good guess as to how he “escaped”. I have a concealed carry permit so does my wife and son. I agree if you are an active carry person you should have been told in class to know they laws where you are going before you go there carrying. Sadly most do not it seems. Why would anyone go on vacation to a place they felt they needed to carry a gun? Although he may encounter people that he might need to be concerned about given his celebrity status. Tough call to make.
“He was probably not flying on a commercial airline so it was easy to exit the US with a firearm.”
Correct!
Private charters do basic background checks on passengers but there are no security screenings or TSA checkpoints. Privately owned aircraft can carry anyone the owner chooses, and anything a passenger might bring aboard. The aircraft and pax are still subject to customs inspections upon arrival to other countries and returning to the US, but they’re pretty basic and essentially looking for smuggling.
Many private aircraft are met by a van out on the ramp, often at smaller airports. It’s not remotely close to airline arrivals.
How does anyone think cash gets from the USA to Cayman Island banks?
“Oh and honey, don’t forget to load it with the hollow points. If we have to shoot anyone we don’t want to risk the possibility of them surviving”.
Does a responsible gun owner really forget where his weapons are, and what illegal rounds are being carried?
Does a responsible gun owner really carry into jurisdictions not knowing the laws?
As a Southerner, I now like this guy. 🙂
Just think, if he was an WNBA player, he would have gotten 10 years. But a NASCAR driver? You are now free to move outside the country. (That’s sarcasm, y’all)
Traveling by private jet is way different than commercial. Been there and done that. I bet the loaded gun is in his bag all the time when he travels in the US. If the bullets were not hollow point would it have mattered? If you choose to use deadly force you are instructed to shoot at the center of your target and not stop until the threat is over. Joe Biden’s suggestion that officers shoot to wing the target is contrary to what is taught all users of weapons. Matt Dillion on Gun Smoke could kill them or just wing them. He was very good . . . . . . . LOL.