Arizona Senate Takes Historic Action, Passes Resolution Calling on Attorney General to Resign Over Dangerous Anti-Law Enforcement Rhetoric
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 29, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— The Arizona Senate is taking a rare and historic step today by passing a resolution calling on Attorney General Kris Mayes to resign after she publicly insinuated that members of the public could be justified in using deadly force against law enforcement officers. This marks the first time in Arizona history the Senate has formally called on a sitting Attorney General to step down.
"The Attorney General publicly suggested Arizonans could invoke self-defense laws against law enforcement officers," said Majority Leader John Kavanagh, who sponsored SR 1036. "Her statements were wrong, dangerous, and fundamentally inconsistent with Arizona law. When the state's top law enforcement officer implies that police officers may be lawful targets, the Senate has a duty to act. Any Arizonan that attempts to invoke 'stand your ground' against an officer will not turn out well for that person."
"Mayes' comments went beyond careless wording and crossed into guidance that misrepresented the law, failed to explain its narrow limits, and risked emboldening violent misunderstandings in real-world encounters with police," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "Arizona law does not permit people to shoot law enforcement officers. Full stop. Insinuating otherwise is unacceptable coming from the state's chief legal officer. Our responsibility is to protect public safety and make the law unmistakably clear."
By moving swiftly on SR 1036, the Senate signaled that this was not a routine political dispute, but a serious public safety concern requiring immediate correction.
"Law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, are working to protect families and prevent more lives from being lost to violent criminals who should never be on our streets," said President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope. "Anyone who breaks our laws must be held accountable. When the Attorney General's rhetoric undercuts that mission or clouds the law, the Legislature has a duty to act, and that's what we're doing here."
"Supporting law enforcement means drawing clear lines," said Majority Whip Frank Carroll. "There is no scenario where public officials should imply that shooting police officers is acceptable. The Senate is making it clear that this rhetoric has consequences. This vote is about restoring clarity and accountability. Arizona deserves an Attorney General who understands the weight of her words and the danger of getting this wrong."
SR 1036 calls on Attorney General Mayes to retract her statements, issue clear corrective guidance that accurately reflects Arizona law, publicly affirm unequivocal support for federal, state, and local law enforcement, and resign after losing the trust of Arizona's law enforcement community.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus