The problem is determining what is “Just a mistake”.
Soon you end up with the left wing elites being able to claim “ I’m a left wing somebody, it’s just a mistake” and everyone else the ‘unimportant” people it’s “you are a right wing hater, why should we believe you”.
Chris Mathews is just one of many left wing elitist freaks one step away from going postal.
Would you like him to be able to claim “it’s just a mistake”?
Yes. The purpose of the airport law is to prevent hijackings, not to put innocent people in jail.
If the person can legally possess the gun outside the airport, and can show that a mistake was made, have them pay a small fine, say $200 dollars. It would be enough for them to learn a lesson, but would not destroy their lives.