After more than 30 years as head of the powerful US gun lobby NRA, Wayne LaPierre is stepping down from his post. The move comes shortly before he faces charges of embezzling NRA funds in court.
The top gun lobbyist in the USA, Wayne LaPierre, is stepping down from office at the end of the month after a good 30 years at the head 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,” said the 74-year-old.
LaPierre is charged with embezzlement
The outgoing chairman of the NRA 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 brought charges against her in 2020. LaPierre is accused, among other things, of embezzling funds for luxury trips.
The NRA has non-profit status in the USA and is therefore subject to special requirements for the use of donations, charity and accounting. It is considered a very conservative organization with very great political influence. LaPierre has led the NRA since 1991.
NRA supports Republicans with a lot of 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 euros), according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
During the 2016 presidential campaign, the NRA spent around $20 million on ads attacking Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The association spent $10 million on advertising in favor of Republican Donald Trump.