The recent rise in gun violence in our community has once again brought into focus the troubling practice of our municipality selling seized firearms, often through public auctions. While these auctions may seem like an easy way to manage surplus inventory, they pose serious risks — especially when an auctioneer without specific expertise in gun sales is involved.
Selling firearms requires vigilance and constant awareness, particularly to prevent straw purchases, where someone buys a gun for someone else who may be unqualified or even dangerous. Unfortunately, not all auctioneers are equipped to handle these risks effectively. This is why I strongly believe that if firearms must be auctioned off, they should only be sold to licensed dealers. Doing so would significantly reduce liability and ensure that these weapons do not fall into the wrong hands.
Furthermore, I urge the municipality to stop selling ammunition alongside firearms in public auctions. This only increases the danger to our community.
In the aftermath of the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting, I requested the municipality cut up the AR-15 assault rifles seized by law enforcement and set them to be auctioned.
I believed that destroying these weapons would serve as a meaningful tribute to the victims and a way to share in the grief that so many families continue to endure. Imagine communities across the country not just lighting candles and holding moments of silence, but actively dismantling the very tools of such devastation. Sadly, this request was rejected by the Assembly.
Today, we are once again mourning the victims of another mass shooting.
And here in Anchorage, the ease with which one can purchase a gun on the streets — sometimes for less than $100 — is frightening. If you ask those living near homeless camps, they will tell you about the constant gunfire and the tragic deaths that occur due to gun violence. Our police are regularly called to these scenes, and deadly force often becomes necessary to protect the public.
We must face the reality that by continuing to sell seized firearms, we are putting more guns back into circulation, and with them, more opportunities for violence. It is time for us, as a community, to take action. We need to demand that our elected officials revisit these policies and put safeguards in place to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands.
It is not enough to wait for the next tragedy. We, the people of Anchorage, must stand together and hold our leaders accountable. The safety of our community depends on it.
— Ron Alleva
Anchorage
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