The National Rifle Association (NRA) chief's shock resignation on Friday was not due to a plea agreement ahead of his corruption trial next week, prosecutors have confirmed.
Wayne LaPierre, 74, said he was stepping down after more than 30 years for “health reasons.”
LaPierre's corruption trial has already begun with jury selection: opening statements will be heard next week.
But New York Attorney General Letitia James said no agreement had been reached with LaPierre and that the corruption trial would continue as planned.
LaPierre and two other defendants are accused of violating charitable laws and using millions of NRA dollars to afford extravagant lifestyles.
James is seeking to bar LaPierre from leadership positions and intends to seek financial penalties from him and two other defendants.
A fourth defendant, Joshua Powell, a former top deputy to LaPierre, reached a deal with the attorney general's office on Friday evening. He agreed to $100,000 in compensation and a permanent ban from working as an official at nonprofit organizations operating in New York.
LaPierre's interim successor will be spokesman Andrew Arulanandam, the NRA's executive director and director of general operations.
NRA boss Wayne LaPierre (left) announced his resignation on Friday, just days before his New York corruption trial begins. Andrew Arulanandam (right), its spokesman, will take over as interim CEO
The NRA chief cited health reasons for his resignation, which was accepted at a board meeting in Irving, Texas
LaPierre, pictured at an NRA rally in 2022 with Donald Trump, is accused of diverting millions of dollars for his lavish lifestyle
LaPierre, who made the surprise announcement during a board meeting in Irving, Texas, will officially step down on Jan. 31.
“It is with pride in all we have accomplished that I announce my resignation from the NRA,” LaPierre said in a press release.
“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 Second Amendment freedom.” “My passion for our cause is as deep as ever.”
NRA President Charles Cotton thanked LaPierre for his service.
“On behalf of the NRA Board of Directors, I thank Wayne LaPierre for his service. “Wayne has done as much to protect Second Amendment freedom as anyone,” Cotton said.
“Wayne is a towering figure in the fight for constitutional freedom, but one of his other talents is equally important: He has built an organization larger than himself.”
“Under Andrew Arulanandam’s leadership, the NRA will continue to thrive with renewed energy in our operations and grassroots advocacy.” “Our future is bright and secure.”
The NRA has been in turmoil for years.
Before her election, James vowed to take on the NRA, which she described as a “terrorist organization.”
In 2020, she filed a lawsuit accusing NRA bosses of violating state and federal laws and lining their pockets of millions of dollars.
LaPierre was re-elected to office in 2021 despite a pending civil lawsuit alleging he diverted millions on travel and other luxury items.
The NRA board re-elected Wayne LaPierre as the group's CEO in 2021, although the organization faced several controversies under his leadership
The NRA is still facing a corruption lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James (pictured). She claims her leadership diverted millions to fund a lavish lifestyle
In May 2021, the group made a failed attempt to file for bankruptcy in an attempt to move its organization from New York to Texas, which LaPierre admitted was in order to avoid litigation.
But federal judge Harlin Hale denied the lawsuit, saying the lawsuit was filed in bad faith and calling LaPierre's conduct “nothing short of shocking.”
The gun rights group unsuccessfully tried to block the corruption probe from proceeding by arguing that James, a Democrat, was politically motivated and violated the First Amendment by trying to silence his speech because she didn't like what it was for she stood.
But the appeal was unanimously rejected.
The NRA said it was “known” that James had committed to pursuing the organization.
In March 2022, the group won a major legal victory when a New York court dismissed James' claims to disband the organization.
“In light of the NYAG allegations, the NRA Board of Directors reports that it has undertaken significant efforts to conduct a self-assessment, recommending the firing of disgraced “insiders” and vendors who allegedly abused the association, and restitution with interest on alleged damages, accepted “transactions involving excess benefits from LaPierre as reported on public tax returns,” an NRA statement said.
LaPierre, pictured with wife Susan, claims James' lawsuit is politically motivated after she vowed to take action against the NRA before becoming attorney general
LaPierre is pictured with his wife Susan in 2012; the late Larry King and his wife Shawn
LaPierre added in his statement Friday: “I am proud of the NRA's advocacy in New York and its determination to defend the Second Amendment.” I can assure you that the NRA's mission, programming and fight for freedom has never been so secure.
“What sets the NRA apart from any other advocacy group is the depth and experience of its professional team, the unwavering support of its members and its fighting spirit.”
“I have great confidence in our board, our leadership team and my long-time colleague Andrew Arulanandam.
“Andrew knows every facet of this organization and has stood with me side by side in every area imaginable.” Andrew knows how to help the NRA win – he has been a key writer on our playbook for decades.”