First appearance on Fox – Wayne LaPierre, the longtime president of the National Rifle Association, announced his resignation on Friday, Fox News Digital has learned.
“I am proud of all we have accomplished and announce my resignation from the NRA,” LaPierre said in an NRA press release obtained exclusively by FOX News Digital. “I have been an active member of this organization for most of my adult life. I will never stop supporting the NRA and the fight to protect Second Amendment freedoms. My passion for the cause burns deeper than ever.”
NRA Chairman Charles Cotton said Friday at a board meeting in Irving, Texas, that he had accepted LaPierre's resignation. Mr. LaPierre, 74, cited health reasons as the motivation for his retirement.
The resignation will take effect on January 31st. Andrew Arulanandam, NRA's executive officer and head of general operations, will serve as interim CEO and executive vice president.
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The NRA announced the resignation of Wayne LaPierre on Friday. (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
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“On behalf of the NRA Board of Directors, I would like to thank Wayne LaPierre for his service. Wayne has done more than anyone to protect our Second Amendment freedoms,” Cotton said in a press release. “He gave it to me,” he said. “Wayne is an outstanding figure in the fight for constitutional freedoms, but his other talent is equally important: he has built an organization bigger than himself. Under the leadership of Andrew Arulanandam , NRA will continue to thrive with a renewed focus on our business operations and grassroots efforts. Our future is bright and secure. ”
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NRA Director Wayne LaPierre prays. (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
The announcement comes as Mr. LaPierre is scheduled to go on trial in a corruption case brought by the New York Democratic Party. Attorney General Letitia James. James, who vowed to confront the NRA and denounced it as a “terrorist organization” before being elected governor, said in 2020 that NRA leadership diverted millions of dollars to their own funds. The lawsuit alleges violations of state and federal law. pocket.
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The NRA has repeatedly countered that James' case is an example of her using her office as a weapon to “silence” Second Amendment advocates because of her “hostility” to the organization. Ta.
Wayne LaPierre, CEO and Vice President of the National Rifle Association, spoke at the event. (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
“The NRA continues to defend a lawsuit brought by the New York State Attorney General, and Ms. LaPierre is a private defendant in that lawsuit. It is well known that the NYAG vowed to go after the NRA when she was a candidate for office. Elected, he filed a lawsuit in August 2020 seeking to dissolve the association. Hearing proceedings in that case begin Monday,” an NRA press release said.
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Mr. LaPierre has been with the NRA since 1977 and became the group's CEO and executive vice president in 1991. During his nearly 50 years at the NRA, LaPierre championed constitutional carry laws, with 2023 marking the year the U.S. became a majority constitutional carry nation. He founded Friends of the NRA, a non-political charity that grows its membership and works to defend the Basic Law throughout the United States.
Wayne LaPierre and former NRA Chairman Charlton Heston and Marion Hammer (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
“I am proud of the NRA's advocacy work in New York and our determination to defend the Second Amendment through it all. The NRA's mission, program, and fight for freedom are more certain than ever. I can guarantee you that,” LaPierre said.
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“What sets the NRA apart from other advocacy organizations is the depth and experience of its professional team, the unwavering support of its members, and its fighting spirit. I have tremendous confidence in him,” LaPierre said.
