A Phoenix City Council unanimous decision to transfer unclaimed firearms to Ukraine’s National Police has drawn scrutiny from some Arizona GOP leaders. The decision to transfer weapons to the Ukraine is a popular one but criticisms have been raised by a small group of Republican lawmakers.
“The City has selected approximately 500-600 unclaimed firearms to transfer through Gruelle, a private company which provides export and import services. Gruelle will transfer to the National Police of Ukraine. Only 9mm, 45mm, 39mm and 12 gauge firearms will be sent. Firearms are unclaimed when there has been no owner contact after a thirty day notice, in which case the City can dispose of them,” says a Phoenix City Council meeting agenda.
State Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss briefly sought to challenge the transfer, citing potential violations of state laws governing the disposal of firearms. Their formal complaint to Attorney General Kris Mayes is currently pending review.
Back in June, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved a plan allowing 500 to 600 firearms to be transferred to a private company that will then transport the weapons to the Ukrainian police force.
In 2022, the Miami New Times reported that the City of Miami passed a gun buyback resolution similar to the City of Phoenix plan to ship firearms to Ukraine.
In response to the criticism from the GOP, Mayor Gallego pointed to a past state initiative under Governor Doug Ducey that transferred 9,000 pounds of surplus law enforcement equipment to Ukraine. “It’s consistent with Arizona’s previous stance. The Legislature supported similar actions under the former Governor,” Gallego said
Northeast Valley News spoke to Valley locals who generally seem to support the weapon transfers to Ukraine.
“I think it’s an excellent way to repurpose the weapons,” says Phoenix resident and insurance underwriter Sarah Thompson.
“They could make a huge difference in Ukraine, where they’re dealing with a real conflict,” Thompson said.
Scottsdale local Kevin Davis also agreed with the city’s decision.
“If the guns are just sitting there unclaimed, why not put them to use where they’re needed? It’s a good cause to support Ukraine,” said Davis.
“Forget the technicalities,” added Maria Gonzales, another Phoenix resident. “These guns can help protect lives overseas, help the people who are defending from an invasion.”
The City of Miami has already shipped a large amount of firearms to the war efforts over the summer.
Despite the skepticism of Republican lawmakers, local support and the Mayor’s statements indicate that the City of Phoenix is likely to proceed with the weapon transfer with little hindrance.
