After his decades-long reign, Wayne LaPierre resigned as leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA). On Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, LaPierre ended his reign over the prominent gun rights group. Furthermore, the executive vice president and chief executive officer, said his departure is effective January 31.
Lawsuit Against NRA
In August 2020, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit to dissolve the NRA. Furthermore, the suit alleges the gun rights group committed fraud by diverting roughly $64 million in charitable donations. Moreover, James claims this fraud was committed over three years to support reckless spending by its executives.
Additionally, when James was asked why the attorney general’s office was looking to dissolve the NRA, she said:
Because the corruption was so broad. And because of the level of waste. And because they have basically destroyed all of the assets of the operation.
However, the gun rights organization tweeted the lawsuit was “baseless.” Adding it was a “premeditated attack on our organization and the Second Amendment freedoms it fights to defend.”
La Pierre’s Departure
When LaPierre announced his departure, he stated he had been a “card-carrying member” of the National Rifle Association for most of his adult life. Furthermore, despite him stepping down, LaPierre claims he will “never stop supporting the NRA and its fight to defend Second Amendment freedom.”
Moreover, the 74-year-old cited health reasons for why he was leaving his position, according to Fox News Digital who were the first to report LaPierre’s resignation. For more than 30 years, LaPierre has been the CEO and EVP of the NRA.
Accusations Against LaPierre
In the lawsuit filed by James, it alleges that LaPierre diverted millions of dollars from the NRA’s charitable mission for his own personal use. For example, he is accused of using the funds for:
- Personal use of private jets.
- Expensive meals.
- Private security.
- Travel consultants.
- Spending more than $500,000 on trips to the Bahamas for him and his family.
Furthermore, from May 2015 to April 2019, the National Rifle Association incurred more than $1 million in private flight expenditures. All of which, LaPierre was not a passenger on. Additionally, the suit alleges he received more than $1.2 million in expense reimbursements from 2013 to 2017.
Upcoming Trial
The other defendants listed in the lawsuit have also been accused of violating nonprofit laws and internal policies as they enriched themselves. Additionally, their names are:
- Wilson “Woody” Phillips, who is a former NRA treasurer and chief financial officer.
- Joshua Powell, who is a former chief of staff and executive director of general operations.
- And John Frazer, who is currently the corporate secretary and general counsel.
On Thursday, a court filing indicated Powell was attempting to settle the case against him. Furthermore, the court records show he is representing himself in this matter.
The civil trial against LaPierre and other defendants is expected to start on January 8 in Manhattan. Additionally, the trial is expected to last for six weeks with a six-member jury tasked to determine whether the defendants violated nonprofit laws.
Trial Outcome
If the jury find LaPierre and the other defendants liable, they will recommend how much each one should repay the NRA. However, state Supreme Court Judge Joel Cohen would have the final decision over monetary damages and remedies. Which includes if the defendants should be permanently barred from serving on the board of any charity in New York
Furthermore, Judge Cohen will also determine whether the defendants can be an independent monitor should oversee the NRA’s finances. Subsequently, both of these remedies are being sought after by the attorney general’s office. However, Judge Cohen will not decided on them until the second phase of the trial.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
NBC News: Wayne LaPierre resigns as NRA leader, days before start of his civil trial
AXIOS: New York attorney general files lawsuit to dissolve NRA
Spectrum News: NRA chief Wayne LaPierre announces resignation ahead of N.Y. civil trial
Featured Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
