After more than 30 years as head of the powerful US gun lobby, NRA, Wayne LaPierre is stepping down. The move comes just before he faces charges of embezzling NRA funds in court.
America's top gun lobbyist, Wayne LaPierre, is stepping down at the end of the month after a good 30 years at the helm of the influential National Rifle Association (NRA). The decision was for health reasons, but he would continue to passionately support the NRA in “its fight to defend freedom,” the 74-year-old said.
LaPierre is accused of embezzlement
The outgoing NRA president will have to appear in court next week, along with three other NRA officials. In the state of New York, the local attorney general, Letitia James, had already filed charges against her in 2020. LaPierre is accused, among other things, of embezzling funds for luxury travel.
The NRA has nonprofit status in the U.S. and is therefore subject to special requirements for its use of donations, charities, and accounting. It is considered a very conservative organization with great political influence. LaPierre has led the NRA since 1991.
NRA supports Republicans with big money
From 2000 to 2012, financial support from the NRA and its defense industry allies to the US Congress and presidential campaigns amounted to $80 million (€73 million), according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
During the 2016 presidential campaign, the NRA spent about $20 million on ads attacking Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The association spent US$10 million on advertising in favor of Republican Donald Trump.