Wayne LaPierre, president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), will resign from the organization at the end of this month. The group announced on Friday.
Mr. Lapierre's resignation, first rePorted by Fox NewsThe announcement comes as the organization defends itself in a New York civil lawsuit alleging that he and other executives spent millions of the group's funds on luxury vacations and other perks.
“It is with great pride in everything we have accomplished that I announce my resignation from the NRA,” LaPierre said in a statement. “I have been a card member of this organization for most of my adult life and will never stop supporting the NRA and the fight to protect Second Amendment freedoms. My passion burns deeper than ever.”
The 74-year-old resigned, citing health concerns, and his resignation will take effect on January 31.
Mr. LaPierre led the NRA for more than 30 years, gaining political influence and winning victories, then falling into financial troubles and collapsing after countless mass shootings and controversies.
Joined the group as an employee in 1977.
“I am proud of the NRA's advocacy work in New York and our determination to defend the Second Amendment through it. The NRA's mission, program, and fight for freedom have never been safer. “I can say with certainty that I have never been,” he said.
Mr. LaPierre's departure will add to the legal and financial difficulties for the organization.
The group's funding and membership numbers have declined sharply in recent years. Lost approximately 500,000 members in 2021-22, according to the gun violence news nonprofit The Trace.
organization Raised $213 million According to the Washington nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, 2022 will reach about half of the 2016 total.
The lawsuit, filed by New York State Attorney General Letitia James (D), alleges that Mr. LaPierre and other senior leaders diverted millions of dollars from the group's philanthropy to lavish personal benefits. .
After an 18-month investigation, James said the NRA fostered a “culture of self-handling, mismanagement, and negligent oversight” that cost the group $64 million over three years.
The NRA and Mr. LaPierre deny any wrongdoing. The case is scheduled to go to trial on Monday.
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