Some of the thousands of gun sent to Ukraine from Canada.
Taylor Seely
Arizona Republic
Two state lawmakers complained to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Monday, saying Phoenix City Council broke state law by donating unclaimed guns to the National Police of Ukraine.
In June, the city approved a contract to transfer more than 500 unclaimed guns in Phoenix police’s possession to a private company that would then export them to Ukraine.
Republican State Reps. Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss, both representing District 1 in Yavapai County filed the complaint with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. The lawmakers say Phoenix’s contract violates state law because cities are required by state law to sell, not donate, unclaimed guns, and because the guns must be sold to a federal firearms license holder.
If Mayes agrees with Ngyuen and Bliss’ argument, the city risks losing state funding — a significant portion of the city’s annual budget. Mayes has 30 days to investigate the complaint, per state law. Richie Taylor, a spokesperson for the attorney general, confirmed receiving the complaint and said the office would abide by state law.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the city has previously, lawfully transferred firearms to other law enforcement agencies and that “this situation is no different.”
“The State Legislature welcomed support for Ukraine through similar actions under former Governor Ducey, and this transfer was done under the same logic and intent,” Gallego added.
Former Gov. Doug Ducey sent 9,000 pounds of surplus military equipment to Ukraine to help in the war against Russia. The equipment included bulletproof vests, tactical gear and helmets.
Nguyen told The Arizona Republic the complaint had “nothing to do with the politics of the war.” Instead, he said, it’s about cities simply not being allowed to donate guns. Those firearms should be “sold back to Arizonans” and the money should go “back into the state general fund,” Nguyen said.
