NRA Deserved ‘Pat on the Back’ for Reforms, Ex-Chief LaPierre States at Graft Trial

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK – Wayne LaPierre, the longtime leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA), took the stand at a corruption trial on Monday, arguing that the New York attorney general should have praised the organization for implementing reforms.

During questioning by NRA attorney Sarah Rogers, LaPierre stated that the group made significant improvements to its accounting practices in 2018, just two years prior to the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James, which accused the NRA of violating state nonprofit laws. He expressed disbelief that the attorney general was not supportive of the NRA’s efforts, stating, "I honestly felt the attorney general should be enthusiastic about the work we had done."

James’ office claims the NRA misappropriated millions to fund luxuries for its top officials, including travel expenses for LaPierre, who is 74 years old. Allegations against NRA officials include failing to secure board approval for conflicts of interest, arranging no-show contracts, and retaliating against whistleblowers who raised concerns about potential wrongdoing.

The NRA has denied these allegations, arguing that it is a victim of political overreach and that James is infringing on its First Amendment rights by attempting to suppress its speech. However, Justice Joel Cohen, the presiding New York judge, has indicated that this defense lacks merit.

The trial occurs at a challenging time for the 153-year-old organization, which has experienced a 44% decline in revenue since 2016 and a nearly one-third drop in membership since 2018. LaPierre, who took the reins of the NRA in 1991, transformed it into a powerful lobbying entity that pushed for expanded gun rights even amid a rise in mass shootings across the country.

Despite being a defendant, LaPierre is also a key witness against the NRA in this case. Under questioning by Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Conley, LaPierre acknowledged approving payments for helicopter transportation for himself and other board members to NASCAR events to avoid traffic delays. He also admitted to an increase in monthly fees associated with an NRA contract held by Hollywood producer David McKenzie around the time he vacationed with McKenzie in California and on a yacht in the Bahamas between 2015 and 2016, although he claimed there was no direct connection.

Later, during cross-examination by Rogers, LaPierre conceded that he failed to inform the NRA board about his trips with McKenzie and that he shouldn’t have arranged for transportation for family and friends. "It was not the right thing to do," he admitted regarding his decision to send a plane for a family member.

A jury of six will determine any financial reimbursement LaPierre and two other defendants—NRA Secretary and General Counsel John Frazer and former finance chief Wilson Phillips—may owe the NRA for their alleged misconduct. Any penalties could be reduced if the NRA is found to share some responsibility.

A fourth defendant, former NRA second-in-command Joshua Powell, reached a $100,000 settlement earlier this month, admitting he misused NRA assets. Since departing, Powell has been critical of the NRA, leading the organization to claim that James’ office has been lenient with him.

LaPierre’s resignation takes effect on January 31, with the NRA citing health issues, including Lyme disease, as the reason for his departure. Longtime communications chief Andrew Arulanandam has been appointed as interim chief executive.

The trial is expected to continue into mid-February.