Grand Canyon Times

Three Arizona State Reps. are demanding an investigation into the transfer of firearms to Ukraine by the city of Phoenix. 

Republican State Reps. Selina Bliss, Travis Grantham, and Quang Nguyen co-wrote a letter to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, urging her to hold the city's officials fully accountable for their alleged violation of Arizona law and abuse of authority.

The controversy surrounding the transfer of firearms to Ukraine began when Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego faced criticism for allegedly donating hundreds of unclaimed guns to the country. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes conducted an investigation and determined that the Phoenix City Council had violated state law. In response, lawmakers have reached out to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, calling for both criminal and civil investigations against Gallego and other council members.

The lawmakers' letter emphasized the need to hold the city's officials accountable for their actions. They stated, "Because their alleged conduct occurred in your jurisdiction, we demand that you hold the City’s officials fully accountable for their willful violation of Arizona law and abuse of their authority and seek all appropriate remedies available under Arizona law."

The intention to donate the unclaimed firearms to Ukraine was initially reported in July, prompting Reps. Bliss and Nguyen to express concerns about the transfer's legality in a letter to Mayor Gallego. Although the plan was unanimously approved by Phoenix officials, it faced criticism and opposition from some lawmakers. The proposal involved donating approximately 600 unclaimed firearms, valued at around $200,000, to the National Police in Kyiv, Ukraine.

According to Arizona state law, unclaimed firearms can only be sold, not donated. The buyer must be a business authorized to receive and dispose of the firearm, and the firearm should be sold to the public in accordance with federal and state laws. The Arizona House had previously highlighted this in a letter to the Mayor and Councilmembers in July.

The lawmakers emphasized that neither the Attorney General's report nor the City's repeal of its ordinance absolves the Mayor or Councilmembers from potential criminal or civil liability. They stated, "Although we agree with the Attorney General's ultimate legal conclusion that the Ordinance unambiguously violates state law, significant and unsettled legal and factual questions remain. To this day, the City has refused to disclose to us the date that they illegally sent the firearms abroad."

The Arizona House Republicans are determined to ensure that the city of Phoenix and its officials are held accountable for their alleged violation of state law and abuse of authority. Their letter to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell urges her to initiate investigations and seek appropriate remedies under Arizona law.