Phoenix Council Votes to Revoke Unlawful Gun Donation to Ukraine
PHOENIX, Ariz.—Phoenix City Council members made a bold move on Sept. 26 by rescinding an ordinance that would have donated hundreds of firearms to national police in Ukraine. The goal was to help reduce gun violence in Phoenix, but unfortunately, current state law prevented them from taking action.
“I continue to be extremely, extremely disappointed that current state law prevents us from making our own decision,” expressed council vice-chairwoman Yassamin Ansari. Despite their frustration, the council voted 8-0 to repeal the June 28 ordinance.
“Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children in the United States. I’m sickened by this reality and frustrated that we are prohibited and unable to do anything substantial to reduce gun violence.”
Arizona state law requires the sale of unclaimed firearms to licensed dealers. However, council members argued that the ordinance only allowed donating 599 guns to the Ukrainian national police to express solidarity, similar to former Gov. Doug Ducey donating body armor and other protective gear to Ukraine.
Illegal Ordinance
On Aug. 21, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Quang Nguyen and vice-chairman Selina Bliss, both Republicans, filed a complaint with the state attorney general’s office claiming the ordinance was illegal and required an investigation.
In a joint letter to the attorney general, both legislators said it was “frustrating” that Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, a Democrat, ”willfully disregarded state law and rushed the transfer of these firearms abroad.”
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes explained in a 12-page written decision on Sept. 20 that the council’s vote creating the ordinance violated state law governing the disposal of unclaimed firearms.
Ms. Mayes, a Democrat, said her decision was not a public rebuke of the spirit of the ordinance or “an endorsement of the policy underlying Arizona’s firearms disposition statutes.”
“Nor should it discourage future support and donations to Ukraine or elsewhere that can be carried out in compliance with Arizona law,” Ms. Mayes wrote.
The law allows Arizona municipalities to resell unclaimed firearms to licensed dealers after 30 days.
“Reselling guns does not keep us safe,” emphasized Ms. Ansari, while another council member stated, ”Guns provoke violence, and we’ve got to find a way to deal with it.”
In passing the ordinance, the council agreed to dispose of the firearms through a signed contract with freight forwarder and U.S. customs broker D.T. Gruelle in Pennsylvania.
The estimated resale value of the firearms was up to $350,000.
The cache included shotguns, semi-automatic handguns, and rifles capable of firing the same ammunition used in the standard-issue M16 shoulder weapon in the U.S. military.
Weapons Shipped
Mr. Nguyen told The Epoch Times he confirmed through city officials that the cache had recently been shipped. However, it is still uncertain whether the shipment has left the country.
The state legislator found it ironic that council members were concerned about gun violence in the city but potentially contributing to violence in war-torn Ukraine.
“Let’s get the guns to kill other people around the world, right? You have no idea who you’re giving it to,” Mr. Nguyen expressed.
“If you don’t like the law, get a legislator to change it. You don’t have to break the law because you don’t like it.”
Mr. Nguyen mentioned that a legislative attorney will help determine if the violation of state law warrants further action against the mayor and council members.
He also stated that the plan is to retrieve the weapons and return them to Phoenix for resale if they haven’t already left the country.
The proceeds from the sale would go into the state general fund.
What alternative approaches can policymakers explore to effectively address gun violence in the absence of the proposed donation to Ukraine
Ourage the council members and Mayor Gallego from pursuing their goal of reducing gun violence,” Ms. Mayes added in her decision. “But those who seek change must respect the boundaries of the law, even when they believe those boundaries are unjust. They must work within the system to bring about the change they desire.”
While the decision to rescind the ordinance was disappointing for council members, it highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding gun violence and gun control measures in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gun violence remains a significant public health issue, with more than 38,000 deaths related to firearms each year.
Advocates for stricter gun control argue that reducing access to firearms is a necessary step in addressing this problem. They believe that initiatives like the proposed donation to Ukraine would help remove firearms from the streets and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
On the other hand, opponents of gun control measures emphasize the importance of individual rights and the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. They argue that restricting access to firearms would infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens and do little to deter criminals who obtain guns illegally.
The Phoenix City Council’s attempt to donate firearms to Ukraine aimed to contribute to the global effort to promote peace and reduce gun violence. However, the legal obstacles they faced highlight the complexities and challenges of implementing gun control measures at the local level.
As the debate on gun control continues, it is essential for lawmakers and advocates to find common ground and explore effective solutions. This includes engaging in meaningful dialogue, conducting comprehensive research, and considering the diverse perspectives of stakeholders.
In the case of the Phoenix City Council, their commitment to addressing gun violence should be commended. While their attempt to donate firearms was deemed illegal, it underscores the urgency for policymakers to find alternative ways to address this pressing
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