Rasheed Walker, the 25-year-old offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, was arrested Friday morning at LaGuardia Airport in New York City after authorities responded to a firearms check request at Terminal C. Port Authority Police reported that Walker had checked in with Delta Airlines and then presented a firearm for inspection but lacked the proper credentials required under New York regulations.
Walker’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, explained that his client voluntarily disclosed the presence of an unloaded and safely secured firearm upon arrival at the airport. The arrest occurred primarily because Walker's firearms license was not recognized as valid within the jurisdiction of New York State.
"We remain optimistic that the charges will be dismissed in due course," Aidala stated via email, expressing confidence in the resolution of the legal matter.
Walker has served as the Packers' starting left tackle for the past three seasons, beginning after being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Penn State. Over this period, he has started in 48 games and has been a consistent presence in playoff appearances, having started all four of Green Bay's playoff games during the last three seasons. His contract recently concluded, positioning him to enter free agency in the upcoming offseason.
Green Bay’s playoff run ended abruptly on January 10, with a 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the NFC wild-card round, marking the close of the Packers' latest campaign and setting the stage for personnel decisions this offseason.