A New York judge on Monday decided not to appoint an outside monitor to oversee the National Rifle Association (NRA) but banned the gun rights group’s former CEO, Wayne LaPierre, from working for the organization for 10 years.
Judge Joel Cohen’s split decision came on the final day of arguments in the second phase of the NRA’s civil trial brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Cohen said appointing a monitor to oversee the NRA was not the right solution, saying it would be “time-consuming, confusing and would impose significant costs on the NRA without commensurate benefits.”
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Then-NRA Vice Chairman and CEO Wayne LaPierre speaks to audience members at the 2023 NRA-ILA Leadership Forum in Indianapolis, Indiana, on April 13, 2023. A New York judge has barred the former CEO from working for the gun rights group for at least 10 years. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
He also expressed concern about possible government interference with gun rights groups.
“Today’s development vindicates the NRA’s reform efforts and commitment to good governance and recognizes that this lawsuit violates the First Amendment,” NRA attorney William A. Brewer III said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Based on the record established at trial, the Court has denied the NYAG’s oversight request.”
LaPierre said appointing a watchdog to oversee the NRA’s finances would be “like sticking a knife in the heart of the organization and twisting it.”
“General James will have achieved his objective of fulfilling his campaign promise to effectively disband the NRA due to a lack of funding and membership,” he said.
NRA Chairman Bob Barr said in a statement that the organization was committed to improving “good governance.”
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New York Attorney General Letitia James has vowed to fight the NRA, calling the group a “terrorist organization.” (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
“As the NRA has committed to the Court, we will continue to pursue improvements to our commitment to good governance,” Barr said. “We thank our Board of Directors for their support and salute our loyal membership. Freedom will prevail again.”
LaPierre resigned from the organization earlier this year for health reasons, and James filed a corruption lawsuit against the former CEO, alleging he misappropriated millions of dollars from the NRA to live a lavish lifestyle that included private jet trips and lavish gifts.
Before her election, James vowed to fight the NRA, calling it a “terrorist organization,” and the NRA has accused her of weaponizing the power of her office to target it.
In 2020, she filed a lawsuit alleging that the NRA leadership had diverted millions of dollars into their own pockets in violation of state and federal law.
Letitia James accused the NRA leadership of violating state and federal laws and diverting millions of dollars for their own pockets.
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The jury ordered LaPierre to repay about $4.4 million to the NRA, while the organization’s former treasurer, Wilson “Woody” Phillips, was ordered to pay $2 million in restitution.
Following Monday’s ruling, NRA Vice Chairman and CEO Doug Hamlin said the organization plans to move “full steam ahead” with its mission.
“We have a mission to fulfill and we must win every vote in this election,” he said. “This is a big step toward rebuilding the trust of our members, donors, industry and our staff.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
