It Seems Simple But..US City Donating Unclaimed Firearms to Ukraine Police
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| Adamfoxie file |
In a recent development, the Phoenix City Council has approved a plan to donate between 500 and 600 unclaimed firearms, worth around $200,000, to the National Police of Ukraine. While this decision has received support from some quarters, it has also faced objections from state lawmakers. The move has sparked a debate on the legality and ethics of such a donation, raising questions about the appropriate disposal of unclaimed firearms. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this controversial decision and explore the different perspectives surrounding it.
Background:
Under Phoenix's 30-day policy on unclaimed property, including firearms, if no one claims a firearm within the designated period, the city has the authority to dispose of it. In this case, instead of opting for the usual methods of disposal such as auctioning off the firearms, Phoenix has chosen to donate them to the National Police of Ukraine. The city views this as a normal process of moving unclaimed weapons to other law enforcement agencies, albeit in this instance, the recipient is a foreign entity.
The Objections:
Not everyone is on board with Phoenix's decision to donate the firearms. Two Republican state lawmakers have written a letter to Mayor Kate Gallego and the city council, stating that unclaimed firearms can only be sold, not donated. They argue that the buyer must be authorized to receive and dispose of the firearms under state and federal law. Citing Arizona laws, the lawmakers point out that political subdivisions, including Phoenix, are prohibited from enacting ordinances related to the possession, sale, transfer, or acquisition of firearms within the state.
Supporting Arguments:
Proponents of the donation argue that it aligns with the U.S. Department of Commerce's previous approval for the National Police of Ukraine to receive unclaimed firearms from the U.S. through the logistics company DTGruelle. They believe that arming Ukrainian civilians can serve as a deterrent against ongoing Russian aggression. By partnering with the Ukrainian Arsenal of Liberty, a group founded by the Ukrainian parliament to arm Ukrainian civilians, the donated firearms are intended to support the country's police force, not contribute directly to the ongoing war.
Logistical Considerations:
DTGruelle, the Pennsylvania-based logistics company, has already obtained the necessary permits for the transfer of firearms. The company will visit Phoenix for a final inspection of the firearms before transporting them to its headquarters in Pennsylvania. From there, the firearms will be flown to Poland and then delivered to the Ukrainian police by the Ukrainian Arsenal of Liberty.
Conclusion:
Phoenix's decision to donate unclaimed firearms to the National Police of Ukraine has generated both support and opposition. While the city council sees it as a regular process of disposing of unclaimed weapons, critics argue that it may violate state and federal laws. The debate surrounding the appropriate disposal of unclaimed firearms is a complex issue, intertwining legal, ethical, and international considerations. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how Phoenix addresses the objections raised and navigates the path forward.
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