Wayne LaPierre, the long-standing leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA), resigned on Friday, shortly before his civil trial in New York. LaPierre, who has been with the NRA for most of his adult life, cited health reasons for his departure, effective January 31, as reported by Fox News Digital. He has helmed the organization for over 30 years.
LaPierre and three other NRA leaders are embroiled in a lawsuit initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2020. The lawsuit accuses them of violating nonprofit laws and misappropriating NRA funds for personal luxuries. Allegations include LaPierre diverting millions from the NRA for personal expenses, including private jets, expensive meals, and trips to the Bahamas, totaling over $500,000 of NRA assets. Furthermore, the NRA reportedly incurred over $1 million for private flights without LaPierre on board.
The lawsuit also claims LaPierre received over $1.2 million in reimbursements from 2013 to 2017. Co-defendants Wilson Phillips, Joshua Powell, and John Frazer are similarly accused of violating laws and internal policies, leading to the NRA’s $64 million loss in three years.
Powell, representing himself, has indicated efforts to settle his case. The upcoming civil trial in Manhattan, starting Monday, will last six weeks. A jury will recommend restitution amounts if the defendants are found guilty, with Judge Joel Cohen deciding on final monetary damages and other remedies, including a potential ban from serving on charity boards in New York and appointing an independent monitor for the NRA’s finances.
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