Jakob Thorington
Arizona Capitol Times/
Two state lawmakers are arguing a recent ordinance passed by the city of Phoenix to give unclaimed firearms to Ukraine is unlawful.
Reps. Selina Bliss, R-Prescott, and Reps. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, sent a letter on July 3 to the Phoenix City Council urging it to rescind the ordinance, calling it “invalid on its face.”
The ordinance, approved on June 28, authorizes the city to enter into an agreement with a private company called D.T. Gruelle to transfer approximately 500 to 600 unclaimed firearms to the National Police of Ukraine through Gruelle. The company provides international and domestic logistics services to importers, exporters and domestic shippers across the globe, according to its website.
The National Police of Ukraine is the country’s only police service, but it has since been active in the ongoing war effort against Russia, which started in February 2022.
Only 9mm, 45mm, 39mm and 12-gauge firearms will be sent, the ordinance notes. Firearms are considered unclaimed when no owner has contacted the city after a 30-day notice and cities can then dispose of the firearms.
The representatives cited state statute, which prohibits political subdivisions from enacting any ordinance related to the “transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, acquisition, gift, devise, storage, licensing, registration, discharge or use of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components or related accessories in this state.”
There are some exceptions to the law including imposing taxes on retail sales, safety of minors and transportation for lawful hunting and shooting events.
