David Henrie rose to fame as Justin Russo in Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” where he played the role of the singer Selena Gomez‘s elder brother, and later appeared as Ted’s future son, Luke, in “How I Met Your Mother.“

His clean-cut image made his September arrest at LAX all the more shocking.

When TSA agents found a loaded handgun in the actor’s carry-on bag, it sparked immediate questions about whether a Disney star would actually face jail time.

The case quickly became a lightning rod for debates about celebrity justice and airport security, while legal experts watched to see how federal firearms charges would play out against a first-time offender with no criminal history.

This wasn’t just another celebrity scandal but a real-world test of how America’s legal system handles weapons violations, even when they appear accidental.

What Led to David Henrie’s Arrest at LAX?

On September 10, 2018, at approximately 9:05 a.m., TSA officers at LAX Terminal 2 discovered a loaded 9mm handgun in David Henrie’s carry-on bag during routine X-ray screening. The weapon was legally owned and registered to Henrie, but its presence in airport security areas violated federal regulations.

According to official reports, Henrie appeared surprised by the discovery and claimed the incident was unintentional. He cooperated fully with authorities throughout the detention process.

Immediate consequences:

• Airport police detained Henrie at the security checkpoint
• He was transported to the LAPD Pacific Division for booking procedures
• Bail was set at $10,000 with same-day release
• Legal proceedings were scheduled to begin on October 1, 2018

The incident effectively terminated his planned travel and initiated legal proceedings that would span several months.

The Charges Against David Henrie

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office filed three misdemeanor charges against the former Disney star. Each charge carried the possibility of incarceration, raising serious questions about whether he would face jail time.

The Three Charges Filed:

1. Carrying a Loaded Firearm

Under California Penal Code §25850, carrying a loaded firearm in public without a proper permit is illegal.

In Henrie’s case, the 9mm handgun was loaded with ammunition when discovered at the security checkpoint, which automatically triggered this charge regardless of his intent or legal ownership status.

This misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000, with potential weapon confiscation and restrictions on future gun ownership rights.

2. Carrying a Concealed Firearm

California Penal Code §25400 prohibits concealed carry without a valid permit.

Although Henrie legally owned and registered the firearm, he did not possess the required California concealed carry permit needed to transport the weapon in his carry-on bag through public areas of the airport.

Violators face up to one year in county jail, substantial fines and court costs, plus loss of future gun ownership privileges and a permanent criminal record.

3. Possessing a Weapon in an Airport Sterile Area

Federal regulations make it illegal to bring weapons into airport security zones.

Henrie’s attempt to pass through TSA screening with the firearm constituted a violation of federal aviation security laws, even though the weapon was detected before entering the secure boarding area.

This federal charge carries fines up to $13,000, potential federal imprisonment, a permanent federal criminal record, and additional TSA civil penalties reaching thousands of dollars.

If convicted on all charges, Henrie could have faced up to three years in jail, substantial federal and state fines, and a permanent criminal record that would have impacted his entertainment career.

David Henrie’s Statement

On September 10, 2018, within hours of his arrest, Henrie issued a public statement via Twitter (now X) that demonstrated immediate accountability and transparency about the incident.

The statement read: “I take responsibility for the situation at LAX today. I unintentionally brought my legally owned gun, which is registered in my name, to the airport. I am so sorry for any trouble it caused, but I am appreciative of TSA’s efforts in implementing the safety laws that are in place to protect our beautiful country. More than anything I am humiliated and embarrassed that this even happened. But I am thankful to the TSA, LAPD and all involved today for their kindness and professionalism during this process.”

Impact on Legal Proceedings: Henrie’s cooperative approach extended beyond his public statement. Officials confirmed his respectful behavior during booking procedures, and his willingness to take responsibility rather than contest the charges positioned him favorably for plea negotiations. This accountability likely contributed to the dismissal of two of the three charges against him.

David Henrie Avoids Jail

Defense counsel and prosecutors reached a negotiated resolution that avoided trial and prevented jail time for the actor.

Under the agreement, Henrie pleaded no contest to possessing a weapon in a sterile airport area, while prosecutors completely dismissed the loaded firearm and concealed carry charges.

Both parties agreed to court-imposed alternative sanctions rather than pursuing incarceration.

The court imposed rehabilitation-focused requirements rather than jail time. Henrie’s clean record, the accidental nature of the incident, and his immediate cooperation contributed to this favorable outcome.

Sentencing requirements:

• Two years supervised probation
• 20 days of community labor
• Mandatory firearms safety course
• Court fines and administrative fees

This resolution demonstrates how courts handle first-time, non-violent offenders who accept responsibility and show genuine remorse.

The Laws Involved in David Henrie’s Arrest

Henrie’s case involved violations of both federal aviation security regulations and California state gun laws, creating dual jurisdiction issues that explain why he faced multiple charges from a single incident.

Federal TSA regulations strictly prohibit firearms in carry-on luggage at all commercial airports nationwide, while California requires specific permits for concealed carry and loaded weapon transport in public spaces.

Legal firearm transport requires placement in checked baggage with proper declaration to airline personnel, secure storage in locked containers, and compliance with destination state laws.

California’s concealed carry laws require extensive background checks, completion of safety training, a good cause demonstration, and substantial fees before permits are issued.

Airport weapon violations typically trigger both federal charges for security breaches and state charges for local gun law violations, which is why Henrie faced three separate misdemeanor charges despite the single incident at LAX Terminal 2.

Final Thoughts

The David Henrie case demonstrates that celebrity status does not guarantee immunity from serious legal consequences.

Despite facing charges that could have resulted in jail time, the former Disney star avoided incarceration through a combination of immediate accountability, legal cooperation, and favorable plea negotiations.

This incident serves as a critical reminder that federal airport security laws apply uniformly regardless of intent or ownership status. 

The case also provides valuable insight into how the legal system handles first-time offenders who demonstrate genuine remorse and cooperation with authorities. While Henrie ultimately avoided jail, his legal troubles underscore the serious nature of weapons violations at airports.

What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe the outcome was fair, or should celebrities face harsher consequences? Share your perspective in the comments below.