NRA Chief Lapierre Resigns

1/6/2024 11:06:53 PM

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Wayne LaPierre resigned as leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA) on Friday, ending a long career that saw it became one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington, only to have its prestige tarnished by graft accusations and a bankruptcy filing.
LaPierre, 74, chief executive since 1991, steps down just as New York state Attorney-General Letitia James brings a corruption trial against the NRA, due to begin in state Supreme Court tomorrow.
James had been seeking LaPierre's removal from office, but he is still among three individual defendants in the case and is expected to testify.
The NRA has long accused James of targeting it for political purposes, and violating the US Constitution's First Amendment for trying to silence its speech.
The group cited health reasons for LaPierre's resignation, saying that his long-time communications chief, Andrew Arulanandam, would replace him as chief executive and executive vice-president on an interim basis.
LaPierre helped build the NRA into a political powerhouse that has led efforts in Washington and in statehouses to expand gun rights under the Second Amendment of the Constitution, successfully fighting off attempts at gun control even as the number of mass shootings mounted across the country.
The trial set for a Manhattan courtroom tomorrow apparently will proceed without delay.
“We look forward to presenting our case in court,” James said on X, formerly Twitter.
NRA counsel William Brewer also said the organisation was“prepared and ready” for trial. – Reuters

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