Amidst the trial of the National Rifle Association (NRA) in New York, Wayne LaPierre, the outgoing CEO, took the stand on Monday, passionately defending the gun rights group’s efforts to implement reforms. The trial, initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuses the NRA of financial misconduct and violating state laws governing nonprofits.
LaPierre, who abruptly resigned just days before the trial commenced, asserted that the attorney general should have commended the NRA for its “course correction” in 2018, aimed at enhancing accounting practices. He expressed disappointment that the positive changes weren’t acknowledged, emphasizing the need for recognition rather than legal scrutiny.
Under the scrutiny of NRA lawyer Sarah Rogers, LaPierre explained the organization’s efforts to rectify alleged wrongdoings. The attorney general’s office contends that the NRA diverted funds for personal luxuries, including extravagant travel expenses for LaPierre himself. The accusations also include the failure to seek board approval for conflicts of interest, arranging questionable contracts, and retaliating against whistleblowers.
Despite facing these allegations, the NRA has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, portraying itself as a victim of political bias and accusing Attorney General James of violating the First Amendment by stifling its freedom of speech. However, Justice Joel Cohen, overseeing the trial, dismissed this narrative as unsupported.
The trial unfolds against a backdrop of financial challenges for the 153-year-old organization, experiencing a 44% decline in revenue since 2016 and a nearly one-third reduction in membership since 2018. Wayne LaPierre, who led the NRA since 1991, transformed it into a formidable political force advocating for expanded gun rights amidst a backdrop of increasing mass shootings nationwide.
In an unexpected twist, LaPierre, though a defendant, emerged as the star witness for Attorney General James. Under questioning, he admitted authorizing NRA payments for extravagant expenses, including helicopter rides to NASCAR races, and revealed increases in fees for contracts with associates, raising eyebrows over potential impropriety.
As the trial progresses, six jurors will decide the extent of reimbursement LaPierre and two other defendants—NRA Secretary and General Counsel John Frazer and former finance chief Wilson Phillips—should provide for alleged misconduct. Former NRA second-in-command Joshua Powell settled earlier this month, admitting improper use of NRA assets.
LaPierre’s resignation, effective January 31, comes amid health concerns, with the NRA citing Lyme disease. The trial’s duration extends into mid-February, leaving the future leadership of the NRA uncertain.
