CNN — Wayne LaPierre, the leader of the National Rifle Association of America, announced his resignation on Friday just days before his civil trial is set to begin. LaPierre, who served as a fierce protector of the Second Amendment, is stepping down as executive vice president and chief executive officer, effective January 31, according to a statement by the NRA.
The NRA announced that Andrew Arulanandam, an NRA executive and head of general operations, will become the interim CEO and executive vice president of the organization. LaPierre cited health reasons for his resignation, which was accepted by the NRA’s president, Charles Cotton.
Following the announcement of LaPierre’s departure, New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed a lawsuit to dissolve the NRA in 2020, stated, “The end of the Wayne LaPierre era at the NRA is an important victory in our case. LaPierre’s resignation validates our claims against him, but it will not insulate him from accountability. We look forward to presenting our case in court.”
The lawsuit against the NRA alleges financial corruption and mismanagement by LaPierre and other executives. It accuses the NRA of violating laws for non-profit groups, claiming tax fraud and misusing charitable assets.
As a result of the lawsuit, LaPierre’s resignation has been seen as a significant setback for the NRA, with gun violence prevention organizations such as Brady and Everytown for Gun Safety describing the NRA as being in a “doom spiral.”
The NRA, which filed for bankruptcy in 2021, has faced declining membership and political spending in recent years. LaPierre’s resignation has been viewed as a further blow to the organization’s power and influence. With his departure, the NRA is gearing up for a trial against other key defendants, scheduled to begin on Monday in New York.
CNN’s reporting also confirmed that New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a $100,000 settlement with former NRA executive Josh Powell, one of the defendants named in the lawsuit. Powell admitted to claims of wrongdoing outlined in the lawsuit, which include breaching “fiduciary duties” and failing to “administer charitable assets entrusted to his care” as a senior NRA executive.
LaPierre’s resignation was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as the beginning of the end for the NRA, while others still express strong support for the organization and its cause. As the trial against the NRA’s defendants is set to begin, the outcome of the case will have significant implications for the future of the NRA and its role in the gun rights movement.