In a significant legal victory for New York Attorney General Letitia James, a court has ruled to ban Wayne LaPierre, the former CEO of the National Rifle Association (NRA), from holding any paid position within the organization for the next ten years.
This ruling comes after the second stage of a civil trial spearheaded by James against the NRA.
Judge Joel Cohen’s split decision on the final day of arguments marks a pivotal moment in the Attorney General’s ongoing effort to address what she describes as pervasive financial corruption within the NRA.
On social media, James celebrated the ruling, emphasizing that the decision reflects a “stunning lack of accountability” among NRA leadership.
“A judge just ruled on the second part of our case against the @NRA and its senior leaders for their years of financial corruption and found that the NRA’s leaders showed a ‘stunning lack of accountability.’ The judge also banned Wayne LaPierre from the NRA for 10 years,” James tweeted.
Ruling Highlights and Future Reforms
Judge Cohen’s ruling also called for comprehensive reforms within the NRA’s governance and internal policies. James indicated that her office will propose measures aimed at enhancing compliance and oversight within the organization.
However, the judge denied a request for an independent monitor to oversee the NRA’s operations, citing concerns over potential disruption and costs.
LaPierre, who resigned as CEO on the eve of the trial’s first phase, argued that appointing a monitor would severely harm the organization and undermine its credibility.
His sentiments were echoed by NRA attorney Sarah Rogers, who highlighted the group’s recent efforts to implement new controls and compliance measures.
Despite these claims, Assistant Attorney General Monica Connell criticized the NRA’s response, alleging that the organization’s new leadership still operates under the influence of LaPierre’s old guard.
Background and Previous Verdicts
The trial’s first phase, concluded in February, resulted in LaPierre and former NRA finance chief Wilson “Woody” Phillips being held liable for financial mismanagement.
LaPierre was ordered to repay $4.4 million, while Phillips was instructed to return $2 million. The jury’s verdict also revealed the NRA’s failure to manage its assets properly and its misrepresentation in tax filings.
James initially sought to dissolve the NRA entirely, but the court ruled in 2022 that such a drastic measure was not warranted. LaPierre, who had led the NRA for over three decades, stepped down amid the trial proceedings.
Impact on the NRA
The NRA, a prominent voice in conservative politics, has faced mounting challenges, including a significant decline in membership and revenue since 2018.
An expert witness testified that the organization has lost more than 1.3 million members during this period.
As the NRA navigates these legal and financial upheavals, the ruling against LaPierre represents a critical development in the ongoing scrutiny of the organization’s practices.
The decision is expected to shape the future of the NRA’s governance and its role in American politics.
