WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) since 1991, announced his resignation on Friday, a few days before the opening of a corruption trial involving the powerful pro-gun lobby before a Manhattan court.
“With pride in all we have accomplished, I announce my resignation from the NRA,” Wayne LaPierre said in a statement released by the organization. This resignation will take effect on January 31, it is specified.
According to the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, who is 74 years old, cited health reasons for his decision.
“I have been an active member of this organization my entire adult life and will never stop supporting the NRA and its fight to defend 2nd Amendment freedom.” -he said.
New York State Attorney Letitia James filed charges in August 2020 against the NRA, accusing it of embezzling millions of dollars to finance lavish spending by its leaders, including several trips by Wayne LaPierre.
The trial, which opens Monday, comes at a delicate time for the pro-gun lobby whose revenues and membership are declining.
(Steve Holland and Jonathan Stempel; Jean-Stéphane Brosse for the French version)
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