California Public Universities’ Arms Stockpile Revealed

A recent study released on Wednesday highlights the considerable stockpiling of weapons by California’s public universities, including items like AR-15s and stun grenades, aimed at ensuring campus safety.

According to a report by CalMatters, a nonprofit research group, university police at various California institutions have amassed a substantial collection of firearms and ammunition. The inventory recorded for 2025 includes hundreds of AR-15s and thousands of rounds of ammo infused with the same chemical found in chili peppers. Additionally, there are drones, stun grenades, and even submachine guns.

Under existing federal law, the Department of Defense is permitted to transfer weapons and ammunition to federal and state law enforcement agencies, occasionally at no cost. This allows university police to stockpile arms that were once only accessible to military personnel.

Interestingly, California passed a law in 2021 that restricts campus police from having military equipment unless deemed absolutely necessary for the protection of civilian life. This law also requires law enforcement agencies to maintain a level of transparency by disclosing their equipment transactions to the public.

However, CalMatters discovered that not all universities are complying fully with this law and have been lacking in transparency regarding their military-grade equipment.

The University of California system, known for its history of campus protests and large demonstrations, has seen significant unrest, particularly from student groups. Historically, protests at UC Berkeley notably contributed to a national wave of activism related to civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War. More recently, pro-Palestinian protests have gained attention, especially on Berkeley’s campus in late 2025.