Arizona AG says Phoenix plan to send confiscated guns to Ukraine police against state statutes

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said Wednesday the city of Phoenix shipping weapons to Ukraine police would  be a violation of state law. However, Mayes was highly critical of the statutes and the state lawmakers who complained about the city's efforts. 

"My office has determined that Phoenix's ordinance conflicts with state laws concerning firearm disposal," Mayes said, following her office investigating the matter, in response to a complaint by two state legislators. "I am deeply troubled by these (state) statutes. These laws are inflexible and frankly offensive to the victims of crime and communities affected by gun violence."

The Phoenix City Council earlier this year approved a plan to send weapons in the city's possession to Ukrainian police, according to local media. The weapons reportedly are "unclaimed handguns and shotguns," and the program is modeled after Miami Florida's shipment of weapons to Ukraine last year.

"The City of Phoenix tried to reduce the number of guns on its streets while simultaneously supporting the brave Ukrainians fighting for freedom in the face of Russian aggression,” Mayes also said. “While the city’s intent here is commendable, the Legislature has chosen to prohibit this type of creative solution. ... Instead of filing complaints against cities like Phoenix, members of the legislature should focus on passing sensible gun legislation."