National Rifle Association chief executive Wayne LaPierre has announced he is stepping down from the position just days before his New York corruption trial is due to start.
The 74-year-old tendered his resignation on Friday, citing ‘health reasons’.
‘With pride in all that we have accomplished, I am announcing my resignation from the NRA,’ LaPierre said in press release.
‘I’ve been a card-carrying member of this organization for most of my adult life, and I will never stop supporting the NRA and its fight to defend Second Amendment freedom. My passion for our cause burns as deeply as ever.’
His resignation will take effect on January 31 and Andrew Arulanandam, the NRA’s executive and head of general operations, will serve as interim CEO and executive vice president.
NRA chief executive Wayne LaPierre announced his resignation on Friday just days before his New York corruption trial is due to begin
The NRA chief cited health reasons for his resignation which was accepted at a board meeting in Irving, Texas
LaPierre, pictured at an NRA rally in 2022 with Donald Trump, is accused of diverting millions of dollars to pay for his lavish lifestyle
The announcement came during a board meeting in Irving, Texas. and was accepted by NRA President Charles Cotton.
‘On behalf of the NRA Board of Directors, I thank Wayne LaPierre for his service. Wayne has done as much to protect Second Amendment freedom as anyone,’ Cotton said.
‘Wayne is a towering figure in the fight for constitutional freedom, but one of his other talents is equally important: he built an organization that is bigger than him.
‘Under the direction of Andrew Arulanandam, the NRA will continue to thrive – with a renewed energy in our business operations and grassroots advocacy. Our future is bright and secure.’
The announcement comes as LaPierre is set to face trial in the corruption case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Prior to her election, James vowed to take on the NRA, which she branded a ‘terrorist organization.
She brought a lawsuit in 2020 accusing NRA chiefs of violating state and federal law and lining their pockets with millions of dollars.
LaPierre was reelected to his position in 2021 despite the ongoing civil case which claims he diverted millions to pay for trips and other lavish items.
The NRA board of directors reelected Wayne LaPierre as CEO of the group despite multiple controversies facing the organization under his leadership
The NRA is still facing a corruption lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, (pictured) alleging its leadership diverted millions to fund a lavish lifestyle
In May 2021, the group made a failed bid to file for bankruptcy to move its organization from New York to Texas, which LaPierre admitted was to avoid the litigation.
But it was denied by federal judge Harlin Hale who argued that it had been filed in bad faith, and slammed LaPierre’s conduct as ‘nothing less than shocking’.
The gun rights group unsuccessfully attempted to stop the corruption probe from proceeding by arguing Democrat James is politically motivated and has violated First Amendment for trying to silence its speech because she disliked what it stood for.
But the appeal was unanimously rejected and the trial is scheduled to begin at the New York Supreme Court on January 8.
The NRA said it was ‘well-known’ that James had pledged to pursue the organization.
In March 2022, the group scored a major legal victory, when a New York court dismissed James’ claims to dissolve the organization.
‘With respect to the NYAG’s allegations, the NRA Board of Directors reports it has undertaken significant efforts to perform a self-evaluation, recommended termination of disgraced ‘insiders’ and vendors who allegedly abused the Association, and accepted reimbursement, with interest, for alleged excess benefit transactions from LaPierre, as reported in public tax filing,’ an NRA statement said.
LaPierre added: ‘I am proud of the NRA’s advocacy in New York and, through it all, determination to defend the Second Amendment. I can assure you the NRA’s mission, programming, and fight for freedom have never been more secure.
LaPierre, pictured with wife Susan, claims the lawsuit from James is politically motivated after she vowed to go after the NRA prior to her appointment as Attorney General
LaPierre, pictured with his wife and the late Shawn and Larry King, was reelected as NRA chief in 2021 despite the controversies
‘What makes the NRA unlike any other advocacy organization is the depth and experience of its professional team, the unwavering support of its members, and its fighting spirit.’
‘I have enormous confidence in our board of directors, executive leadership team, and my long-time colleague Andrew Arulanandam.
‘Andrew knows every facet of this organization and has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me in every arena imaginable. Andrew knows how to help the NRA win – he’s been one of the key authors of our playbook for decades.’