A legal incident involving Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Rasheed Walker drew attention Friday after authorities confirmed his arrest at LaGuardia Airport in New York.

According to prosecutors, Walker was taken into custody Friday morning after attempting to check a bag that contained a handgun and ammunition while preparing to board a flight.

The arrest occurred just before 11 a.m. when Walker informed a Delta Air Lines employee that his luggage contained a locked case holding a firearm, as detailed in a criminal complaint.

After Walker disclosed the presence of the weapon, airline personnel immediately alerted Port Authority police, who responded to the scene at Terminal C.

Law enforcement officers conducted a search of Walker’s checked luggage and discovered a 9mm Glock pistol along with 36 rounds of ammunition.

The firearm and ammunition were secured inside a locked case, which prosecutors confirmed during initial court proceedings.

Walker, who is 25 years old, was subsequently arrested at the airport and transported for processing without incident.

Authorities later confirmed that Walker was cooperative throughout the encounter and did not attempt to conceal the firearm from airline or law enforcement personnel.

Following his arrest, Walker was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of criminal possession of a firearm.

Under New York law, firearm possession offenses are treated with strict scrutiny, particularly when weapons are brought into the state without appropriate licensing.

Despite the charges, Walker was released on his own recognizance later that day, allowing him to leave custody without posting bail.

He appeared in Queens County Criminal Court for arraignment, where the charges were formally presented.

Walker is scheduled to return to court on March 19, at which point further legal proceedings will determine how the case moves forward.

The incident marks a significant off-field moment for Walker, who joined the Packers organization in May 2022 after being selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

Since entering the league, Walker has developed into a valuable depth piece along Green Bay’s offensive line, earning increased responsibility over the past two seasons.

The Packers have not publicly commented on the situation as of Friday afternoon, consistent with organizational practice regarding ongoing legal matters.

Walker’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, addressed the situation publicly, offering context surrounding the firearm’s presence in the player’s luggage.

Aidala stated that the handgun was legally licensed in the state of Wisconsin, where Walker resides and plays professional football.

According to Aidala, Walker was unaware that New York’s firearm laws differ significantly from those in Wisconsin and many other states.

“It was in a locked box and he disclosed it to the people at the airport,” Aidala said in comments provided to the media.

“He told a person from Delta he was traveling with a firearm,” Aidala explained, emphasizing that Walker did not attempt to hide the weapon.

Aidala added that Walker mistakenly believed that possessing a valid firearm license and securing the gun in a locked container allowed him to travel legally.

The attorney expressed confidence that the case would ultimately be dismissed, citing Walker’s transparency and lack of criminal intent.

Legal experts note that New York enforces some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, particularly regarding out-of-state permits.

Firearm licenses issued in Wisconsin are not recognized in New York, a distinction that often surprises travelers unfamiliar with state-by-state regulations.

Even when firearms are secured and disclosed, possession without a New York-issued permit can still result in felony-level charges.

Cases involving airports frequently draw heightened attention due to federal and state jurisdiction overlapping in transportation hubs.

Port Authority police routinely respond to firearm disclosures at New York-area airports, where similar arrests have occurred in the past.

In many instances, outcomes depend heavily on prosecutorial discretion, the defendant’s criminal history, and evidence of intent.

Walker has no known prior criminal record, a factor that may influence how prosecutors approach the case moving forward.

His cooperation at the airport and voluntary disclosure of the firearm are also expected to be considered during legal review.

From an NFL perspective, off-field legal issues are monitored closely by league officials, though discipline is not automatic.

The league typically waits for legal resolution before determining whether conduct policy violations have occurred.

As of now, there is no indication that the National Football League has initiated disciplinary action against Walker.

The Packers are in the midst of offseason preparations, with roster evaluations and training plans underway ahead of the upcoming season.

Walker’s legal matter arrives at a time when teams across the league emphasize off-field responsibility during the offseason.

Incidents involving firearms, even when legally owned in another state, often prompt broader discussions around education and compliance for professional athletes.

Several NFL teams provide offseason briefings reminding players of varying state laws, particularly when traveling.

Walker’s case highlights how quickly misunderstandings can escalate into legal complications, even without malicious intent.

For now, Walker remains eligible to participate in team activities unless further action is taken by the league or the Packers.

His next court appearance on March 19 is expected to provide greater clarity on the trajectory of the case.

Until then, the situation remains a legal matter rather than a football one, though public scrutiny is unavoidable.

How the case is resolved may depend on whether prosecutors accept the defense’s argument regarding lawful ownership and lack of intent.

If dismissed, the incident may ultimately be remembered as a cautionary example rather than a defining moment.

For Walker, the priority will be resolving the legal issue while continuing to prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

As the process unfolds, both legal experts and football observers will watch closely for updates.

The outcome could also influence how teams educate players on interstate travel laws moving forward.

At minimum, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities professional athletes face beyond the field.

For now, Rasheed Walker awaits his next court date, with his legal future temporarily intersecting with his football career.