Majority Leader John Kavanagh Calls on Attorney General Kris Mayes to Retract Dangerous Statements and Resign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 23, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Arizona Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh is condemning Attorney General Kris Mayes for comments made to the media that recklessly endanger law enforcement officers and put lives at risk across Arizona.
"Kris Mayes needs to immediately recant these statements," said Majority Leader Kavanagh. "And given the severity of the danger she has created, she should step down in disgrace. Arizona deserves an Attorney General who defends law enforcement, upholds the rule of law, and understands the consequences of her words. Mayes has proven she is unfit for this office."
Over the past week, Mayes has repeatedly suggested that armed civilians could use Arizona's Stand Your Ground law against masked federal agents, while simultaneously warning ICE officers they could face prosecution for doing their jobs. Her remarks have escalated from irresponsible to dangerous.
"This is not rhetoric. This is a direct threat to law enforcement," said Majority Leader Kavanagh. "When the Attorney General of Arizona tells people they may be justified in shooting masked officers, she is inviting violence."
In multiple interviews and official statements, Mayes has warned that ICE agents could be prosecuted for assault, murder, or unlawful imprisonment if she deems their actions outside what she considers "regular duties." She has also posted directives on the Attorney General's website demanding federal agents not wear masks and stay out of schools, hospitals, and churches. But it was her comments suggesting gun-owning Arizonans could invoke Stand Your Ground against masked officers in unmarked vehicles that crossed an unmistakable line.
"As someone who served in law enforcement, I can tell you this plainly. SWAT teams, narcotics officers, and federal task forces routinely wear face coverings and non-traditional clothing. Mayes isn't just endangering ICE agents. She's endangering every SWAT officer and undercover cop in this state," said Majority Leader Kavanagh.
Mayes has doubled down, claiming federal agents are "trashing our constitutional rights" and framing the Second Amendment as a defense against a "tyrannical government," while acknowledging that citizens may legally shoot and kill someone who does not identify themselves as law enforcement.
"This is reckless, irresponsible, and completely incompatible with the duties of Arizona's top law enforcement officer," said Majority Leader Kavanagh. "Her job is to protect public safety, not inflame fear and encourage confrontations that could end in bloodshed."
Law enforcement organizations across Arizona have already condemned Mayes' comments as deeply troubling, noting that officers at every level do not always wear traditional uniforms and rely on tactical discretion to keep themselves and the public safe.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus