Wayne LaPierre, the longtime leader of the National Rifle Association, announced his resignation as chief executive on Friday, days before a corruption trial involving the gun rights group begins in a Manhattan courtroom.
“With pride in all that we have accomplished, I am announcing my resignation from the NRA," LaPierre said in a statement released by the NRA.
According to the NRA, the 74-year-old LaPierre cited health reasons for his decision to step down. He has served as the NRA’s chief executive since 1991.
“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.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the NRA in August 2020, saying it diverted millions of dollars to fund luxuries for top officials, including travel expenses for LaPierre to several resorts.
I’ve helped ensure that our ravenous base is completely unable to think about gun-related legislation with any nuance or thought. I’ve done a great job at keeping this country as a threat to children. I’m going to go relax now.