California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Mar. 13 the release of the 2025 Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS) annual report, which details efforts to remove firearms from individuals prohibited from possessing them under state and federal law.
The APPS program is significant because it aims to increase public safety by identifying people who legally acquired firearms but later became ineligible to own them due to reasons such as felony convictions, violent misdemeanors, restraining orders, or mental health determinations. In 2025, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) seized 1,437 firearms from individuals found to be illegally armed.
“In my role as the state’s chief law enforcement officer, I remain steadfastly committed to combating gun violence and safeguarding public safety for all Californians. Sensible firearms regulation and enforcement save lives, and I applaud the continued dedication of our special agents and professional staff in supporting these vital efforts,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Since the inception of the APPS program in 2006, our special agents have taken tens of thousands of illegal firearms off the streets of California. My office will continue to support these efforts to curb gun violence and keep firearms out of the wrong hands.”
According to the report, DOJ investigated and closed 8,667 cases in 2025. Special agents made a record-setting 26,000 contacts with individuals—500 more than last year—and recovered not only firearms but also ghost guns, large-capacity magazines, standard-capacity magazines, and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition. A total of 10,746 prohibited people were removed from the APPS list during this period.
Field operations included notable actions in Ventura County in April—where agents seized multiple assault weapons and thousands of rounds—and San Bernardino County in June—where a search warrant led to confiscation of rifles, shotguns, pistols, an assault weapon, and over 65,000 rounds.
The Bureau of Firearms (BOF), which oversees APPS operations statewide according to the official website, serves through education, regulation and enforcement regarding firearm manufacture, sale and ownership. The BOF provides expertise for law enforcement agencies as part of its comprehensive approach promoting responsible firearm use among California residents.
The California Attorney General’s office promotes transparency through tools like OpenJustice for publishing criminal justice data according to its official website. It forms an integral component of California’s executive branch as outlined by state authorities and exercises authority across all regions of California. The office advances policies related to civil rights, consumer economic security and environmental justice according to its official website.
Bonta leads this office as it continues initiatives focused on enforcing laws that protect public rights and safety statewide according to its official website.
