LaPierre Resigns From National Rifle Association

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • Wayne LaPierre — executive vice-president, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Rifle Association (NRA) — announced his resignation Friday, days before the beginning of a trial related to New York Attorney General Letitia James' civil corruption suit against him, the organization, and two other executives.1
  • LaPierre, who has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NRA since 1991, said his resignation will take effect on January 31.1
  • James is demanding LaPierre pay back millions of dollars in fines to the NRA, who over the years charged for private jet and car travel, luxurious vacations, and gifts for friends and vendors. She had also demanded his resignation.2
  • In his announcement during a board meeting in Irving, Texas, LaPierre said he was stepping down because of 'health reasons.' Prosecutors shot down rumors that his resignation had anything to do with a plea deal.3
  • Meanwhile, it was announced Friday that Joshua Powell, who was the NRA's head of operations and LaPierre's chief of staff, agreed to admit wrongdoing and pay a $100K settlement in this case. The trial of the other defendants began Monday.4

Sources: 1Associated Press, 2Business Insider, 3Daily Mail and 4NPR Online News.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by NBC. LaPierre's resignation is an important win for James' case and a country that's been beset by an increase in gun violence for years. Even while LaPierre and the NRA continued to push pro-gun propaganda, the organization’s membership has waned and its political power has weakened. Although a judge wouldn't allow James to dissolve the NRA, LaPierre's departure and an eventual win in this lawsuit could send the group to its doom.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. This case is nothing but a political witch hunt by an attorney general who built her campaigns for office off lies about the NRA and the goal of taking it down. By selectively enforcing the non-profit laws of her state, James has violated the First Amendment rights of the NRA. The facts of this case will defeat James and leave the NRA on as strong a footing as it's currently on.

Predictions