Phoenix Proceeds with Controversial Plan to Donate Unclaimed Firearms to Ukraine Police
Phoenix officials have confirmed their decision to donate up to 600 unclaimed firearms, valued at approximately $200,000, to the National Police of Ukraine. The city council’s unanimous approval last week paved the way for the agreement, which will be carried out in partnership with Pennsylvania-based logistics company DTGruelle, responsible for transferring the weapons to police in Kyiv.
However, the decision has sparked backlash from some Republican lawmakers who are calling for the plan to be reversed. In a letter addressed to Mayor Kate Gallego and city council members, they argue that the plan is “plainly unlawful.” Despite the objections, Phoenix spokesman Dan Wilson clarified that the city views the situation differently than the legislators do. The city’s law team is preparing an official response to the letter.
Under Phoenix’s 30-day policy on unclaimed property, including firearms, any unclaimed items can be disposed of — typically through auctions — if no one claims them within the specified period.
In December, Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari objected to the practice of auctioning unclaimed firearms, expressing concerns about profiting from potential murder weapons. Subsequently, the city council directed staff to explore alternative options for firearm donation or disposal.
And thus the decision to donate the unclaimed guns to Ukraine. According to Wilson, it’s standard for the city to transfer unclaimed weapons to other domestic law enforcement agencies, but this would be the first time such a transfer has occurred outside the country.
The US Department of Commerce has previously approved the National Police of Ukraine as a recipient of unclaimed firearms from the U.S. through DTGruelle. While this is the first time DTGruelle has partnered with Phoenix, they have previously conducted a similar transfer with the city of Miami.
Before the firearms can be sent to Ukraine, DTGruelle must complete various due diligence processes, including a final inspection of the firearms in Phoenix and an additional inspection at their headquarters in Pennsylvania. The company will work with Ukrainian partner organization, the Ukrainian Arsenal of Liberty, to deliver the weapons to the police force. The goal of this organization, founded by the Ukrainian parliament, is to arm Ukrainian civilians against the ongoing Russian attack.
DTGruelle clarified that the donated firearms will only be provided to Ukrainian police and are not intended for use in the ongoing war.
Apart from the donation to Ukraine Police, Phoenix city council has moved forward with a five-year contract with Sierra Tactical Auctions Inc. to resell unclaimed and forfeited firearms, highlighting that they currently have more unclaimed weapons in their possession.
The date for the transfer of firearms to Ukraine has not been set, and the city has stated that they will not track the weapons once DTGruelle accepts them.
Information for this story was found via Arizona Mirror, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
