LaPierre Resigns From National Rifle Association
The 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.
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.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
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
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.
