Wayne LaPierre resigns as NRA leader, days before start of his civil trial

Wayne LaPierre resigned as leader of the National Rifle Association on Friday, ending his decadeslong reign over the prominent gun rights group, days before the start of his civil trial in New York. In announcing his departure, LaPierre, the organization’s executive vice president, said he has been a “card carrying member” of the NRA for most of his adult life and that he would “never stop supporting the NRA and its fight to defend Second Amendment freedom.” “My passion for our cause burns as deeply as ever,” LaPierre said in a statement.

Fox News Digital , which first reported the resignation, said the 74 year old cited health reasons for his exit, which will take effect Jan. 31. He has led the NRA for more than 30 years. LaPierre and three other current and former NRA leaders are fending off a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2020 that alleges they violated nonprofit laws and misused millions of dollars of NRA funds to finance lavish lifestyles for themselves.

The civil trial in Manhattan is expected to begin Monday and will last for six weeks. A six member jury will be tasked with determining whether the defendants violated nonprofit laws. If the jurors find the defendants liable, they will recommend the amount of money that each defendant would have to repay the NRA, as well as whether LaPierre should be ousted from the group’s helm.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates..