NRA’s Longtime CEO LaPierre Resigns From Embattled Organization
Aaron M. Sprecher via AP
Wayne LaPierre resigned Friday from the National Rifle Association as the gun advocacy groups faces a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James, seeking his ouster.
According to Fox News Digital, the longtime NRA chief cited health concerns as the reasoning behind his departure at the age of 74. LaPierre has been under increasing pressure in recent years over a wide variety of public debacles with the organization and a massive decline in revenue.
Current NRA President Charles Cotton reportedly accepted LaPierre’s resignation at a board meeting on Friday in Irving, Texas.
“With pride in all that we have accomplished, I am announcing my resignation from the NRA,” said LaPierre said in a press release, which was first reported by Fox News Digital. “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.”
LaPierre’s resignation will officially take effect at the end of this month. In the meantime, Andrew Arulanandam will serve as interim CEO and executive vice president of the NRA until a replacement for LaPierre is found.
“On behalf of the NRA Board of Directors, I thank Wayne LaPierre for his service. Wayne has done as much to protect Second Amendment freedom as anyone,” the organization’s president said in a statement. “Wayne is a towering figure in the fight for constitutional freedom, but one of his other talents is equally important.
Cotton added, “He built an organization that is bigger than him. Under the direction of Andrew Arulanandam, the NRA will continue to thrive – with a renewed energy in our business operations and grassroots advocacy. Our future is bright and secure.”
LaPierre’s departure comes on the heels of a corruption trial being brought forward by the New York AG from 2020, where she accused the organization of violating state and federal laws to move millions of dollars.
Another NRA case is going before the Supreme Court, where the organization will be represented by the ACLU on First Amendment grounds.
Since 1977 LaPierre has worked for the organization and has been in his leadership role since 1991. His three decade long-reign over the NRA was filled with controversy as he advocated for constitutional carry laws and stand your ground laws across the country.
Moreover, back in April 2019, LaPierre had a falling out with former NRA President Oliver North, who he claimed was extorting and pressuring him into resigning. Soon after making these allegations to NRA board members, North stepped down from his position.
