Arizona House Republicans have passed a resolution censuring Attorney General Kris Mayes and urging her resignation following statements that allegedly endangered law enforcement officers. The resolution, House Resolution 2004, was sponsored by State Representative Joseph Chaplik. It condemns Mayes’ public remarks about the use of force against law enforcement officers, which were criticized as incomplete and misleading by law enforcement leaders and Governor Hobbs.
Attorney General Mayes had discussed scenarios where deadly force could be used against federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, including immigration officers. Law enforcement organizations expressed concern that her comments did not clearly outline the legal limits under Arizona law, potentially encouraging violent confrontations with police.
The resolution emphasizes Arizona’s preference for resolving disputes through the courts rather than violence. “An Attorney General who speaks carelessly about deadly force against police officers has no business holding that office,” said Representative Chaplik. He added that her statements put officers in danger and called for her to retract them, issue corrective guidance on Arizona law, express support for law enforcement, and resign due to loss of trust.
“When sheriffs and police chiefs warn that an Attorney General’s words are putting officers at risk, the legislature has a duty to act,” Chaplik said. He emphasized the need for leadership that protects officers rather than endangers them.
HR 2004 was adopted along party lines with all Democrats opposing it. Joseph Chaplik is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives representing Legislative District 3 and chairs the Regulatory Oversight Committee. He was elected in 2023 to replace Andres Cano in this role.
