House Republicans Censure Attorney General Mayes, Call for Resignation Over Dangerous Statements Targeting Law Enforcement

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Arizona House Republicans passed House Resolution 2004, censuring Attorney General Kris Mayes and calling for her resignation after public statements that endangered law enforcement officers and undermined the rule of law. Sponsored by State Representative Joseph Chaplik, HR 2004 condemns the Attorney General’s public remarks concerning the use of force against law enforcement officers and declares the House’s disapproval of statements that law enforcement leaders and even Governor Hobbs warned were incomplete, misleading, and dangerous. Attorney General Mayes publicly discussed scenarios in which members of the public could use deadly force against federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, including immigration officers. Law enforcement organizations warned that her remarks failed to clearly explain the strict legal limits under Arizona law and risked encouraging violent confrontations with police. HR 2004 affirms that Arizona law strongly favors compliance with lawful authority and resolution of disputes through the courts, not violence. “An Attorney General who speaks carelessly about deadly force against police officers has no business holding that office,” Representative Chaplik said. “This was not a slip of the tongue. These reckless statements, which she has refused to retract, put officers in danger. When the top law enforcement official in the state fuels confusion, criminals listen and peace officers pay the price.” The resolution censures Attorney General Mayes and calls on her to retract her statements, issue corrective public guidance that accurately states Arizona law, publicly express support for law enforcement officers, and resign due to loss of trust and concerns for public safety. “When sheriffs and police chiefs warn that an Attorney General’s words are putting officers at risk, the legislature has a duty to act,” Representative Chaplik said. "Arizona will not accept an Attorney General who undermines lawful authority, weakens public safety, and leaves officers exposed because of political rhetoric. Our officers deserve leadership that protects them, not an Attorney General who puts targets on their backs. I am proud that the House chose law enforcement, public safety, and the rule of law.” HR 2004 was adopted by the House on a party line vote with all Democrats voting against it.