Washington, D.C. – The National Rifle Association, along with two of its top executives, have been found liable in a civil corruption trial in New York and have been ordered to repay $6.35 million in damages. Former NRA leader Wayne LaPierre was found to have cost the organization millions due to excessive spending on personal luxuries.
New York Attorney General Letitia James accused both the NRA and LaPierre of violating state laws, leading to the civil trial. LaPierre resigned from his position just before the trial commenced, signaling the severity of the accusations leveled against him.
During the trial, the jury concluded that LaPierre’s actions had cost the NRA a total of $5.4 million, with a portion of that amount already repaid. LaPierre now faces the task of repaying $4.35 million to the organization. Additionally, former NRA finance chief Wilson “Woody” Phillips was ordered to repay $2 million.
Despite the guilty verdicts for LaPierre and Phillips, the jury found that general counsel John Frazer did not contribute to the financial misconduct and thus was not required to repay any funds. The NRA released a statement reiterating their stance that they were victimized by former vendors and insiders who had abused the association’s trust.
Following the trial, Attorney General James applauded the outcome, stating that LaPierre and the NRA were finally being held accountable for their corrupt practices. Originally aiming to dissolve the NRA entirely when the lawsuit was filed in 2020, James faced opposition but ultimately succeeded in holding the organization accountable.
The ruling also raised questions about the NRA’s internal operations, prompting discussions about implementing independent monitors to oversee the organization’s charitable assets and administration. As the NRA is incorporated in New York City, the attorney general’s Charities Bureau maintains oversight responsibilities for the organization.
Established in 1871 to promote and encourage rifle shooting, the NRA has evolved into a powerful political force within the United States. The trial’s outcome sheds light on the challenges facing organizations with significant influence and the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in their operations.