A Chinese national, Xuemei Zhao, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City on firearm charges. At Provo Airport, Zhao allegedly had an undeclared pistol in her checked baggage and ammunition in her carry-on.
The Transportation Security Administration discovered the firearm in Zhao's luggage, which was destined for Dallas-Fort Worth on an American Airlines flight. Zhao reportedly failed to declare the black Rossi Braztech Int’l .357 revolver before checking in her luggage. Additionally, Zhao, who holds a tourist visa and is seeking asylum, had nine rounds of ammunition in her carry-on.
Zhao faces charges of possessing a firearm as a restricted person. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for March 28, 2025, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
Felice John Viti, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Utah, announced the case. The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Provo Resident Agency conducted the investigation with assistance from ICE and TSA. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Kennedy.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. The operation involves efforts from the DOJ’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
It is emphasized that an indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
