NRA head confirms he used company funds for private trips, gifts in court testimony

National Rifle Association (NRA) Chairman Wayne LaPierre admitted in court Friday that he used company funds for personal trips and gifts.

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) sued the NRA in 2020, alleging that LaPierre and other company executives diverted millions of dollars from the company's mission and used it for lavish personal gain. .

The lawsuit initially sought to completely dissolve the NRA, but that effort was later abandoned. They are also calling for LaPierre, who has been the public face of the company for more than 30 years, to be removed from his post.

LaPierre, 74, announced he would step down at the end of January, citing health concerns.

In court Friday, the CEO claimed he had no knowledge of the total amount the NRA spent on private jets. Some of the money was used to charter his family even when he was away. The New York Times reported.

Mr. LaPierre did not dispute the scope of the expenditures identified by Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Conley. Mr. Conley showed receipts from the NRA for $11,000 and $27,000 in private airline tickets for his niece and daughter.

He also testified that he had detailed knowledge of a luxury yacht named Illusions owned by an NRA agent who vacationed with his family in the Bahamas, the newspaper reported. Other vacations included trips to India, Abu Dhabi, and the Greek Islands on a yacht called “Grant His Illusions.”

The NRA and LaPierre deny any wrongdoing in the James case.

Under LaPierre, the organization became one of the most influential lobbying groups in Washington, supporting many Republican candidates and advocating for Second Amendment rights.

But the lawsuit represents a series of problems facing the organization. Fundraising and membership numbers have declined significantly in recent years.

The NRA has repeatedly attempted to throw out the lawsuit. The New York Court of Appeals ruled that the case should proceed, citing “sufficient evidence of wrongdoing.”

Opening statements in the case began on January 8 in Manhattan. LaPierre's lawyers have asked that his testimony be limited if he is unwell, the newspaper said.

Other defendants in the case are also charged with violating nonprofit law for personal gain. If found liable, a full jury will decide how much the NRA must repay.