Executive Director of the US National Rifle Association Resigns

(Patria) - Executive Director of the US National Rifle Association (NRA) Wayne LaPierre has resigned.

LaPierre (74) steps down on January 31 after leading the NRA for more than three decades, reports RSE.

His resignation comes a few days before a civil trial in New York, in which he and other top officials are accused of misusing NRA funds.

In a statement, LaPierre said he remains a champion of the NRA.

- I have been a member of this organization for most of my adult life and will never stop supporting the NRA and its fight to defend the freedom of the Second Amendment. My passion for our cause burns as deeply as ever - LaPierre stated.

The reasons for submitting his resignation, as he said, are health-related.

LaPierre's resignation comes as a civil trial begins Monday in New York, in which he and three other current and former NRA leaders are alleged to have violated the state's nonprofit laws.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the lawsuit in 2020, also accused the leaders of misusing millions of dollars in funds to pay for personal expenses.

The trial is expected to last six weeks, and a six-member jury will decide the case.

In its announcement of LaPierre's resignation, the NRA stated that it will continue its defense in the lawsuit. They previously described it as a "baseless, premeditated attack."

The NRA is one of the most powerful political organizations in the US, known for its strong lobbying against all forms of gun control.

The organization has also repeatedly claimed that more guns make the country safer.

It relies on a controversial interpretation of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, which it staunchly defends, claiming it gives US citizens the right to bear arms.

It directly funds American politicians and lawmakers who support its goals.

LaPierre had led the organization since 1991.

In a statement, NRA President Charles Cotton said LaPierre was a "great figure in the fight for constitutional freedom" who helped build the NRA.

The organization announced that Andrew Arulanandam, head of NRA general operations, will become interim executive director and executive vice president.