Local Assemblyman Nabbed At Airport With Loaded Firearm

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Hesperia) was on his way to Sacramento from Ontario Airport this morning when he was nabbed by airport police for having a loaded firearm and extra rounds in his carryon luggage.

Despite attempting to board the flight with the non-permitted concealed weapon and spare ammunition, the local conservative lawmaker is not behind bars.

“The firearm was loaded with four rounds and there was a spare magazine with five rounds,” said TSA spokesman Nico Melendez. “There was no permit to carry a concealed weapon.”

Donnelly was cited by Ontario Airport police at the Terminal #4 Transportation Security Administration screening station.

Donnelly, who represents the 59th Assembly District, was allowed to board a later flight, according to his communications director Cassandra Joiner.

Melendez confirmed that Donnelly had not been arrested at press time and was on his way to Sacramento.

Joiner conceded that Donnelly did have the firearm in his possession at the airport, but “it was just an oversight,” she said, speculating that the assemblyman’s busy back-and-forth schedule caused him to forget he had the weapon.

Initial reports indicated Donnelly may have been intoxicated during the airport incident, but Melendez said the rumors were “unsubstantiated.”

Donnelly’s office flatly denied any allegations of drunkenness.

“He was not drunk,” Joiner said. “He doesn’t drink -- at all.”

Donnelly has been linked to, who is seeking the 67th Assembly District seat in 2012. Paule is running against Lake Elsinore candidates and , both of whom currently serve on the Lake Elsinore City Council. Nico and Melissa Melendez are husband and wife.

In a Jan. 3 email blast, Paule said Donnelly thanked him for the collaboration.

In a letter allegedly penned by the assemblyman, Paule said Donnelly wrote, "Your dedication to spreading the word and hosting locations to gather signatures has helped us reach our signature goal.  Thanks to your efforts, we are one step closer to a fiscally responsible California.”

Donnelly has a history of being tough on illegal immigration. He is a Minuteman chapter founder and has advocated for greater border patrol presence and a bigger border fence.

In addition to his assembly seat, Donnelly also serves as vice chair of the Committees on Revenue and Taxation and Higher Education. He also serves on the Appropriations Committee, Rules Committee and Joint Committee on Legislative Audit Committee.

He was elected to his current post in November 2010.