On February 23rd, 2024, a Manhattan jury delivered a damning verdict against the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its former CEO, Wayne LaPierre. The jury found that LaPierre, along with two other top executives, had engaged in a pattern of financial misconduct and corruption, misusing millions of dollars intended for the nonprofit organization’s purposes.
LaPierre, who served as the NRA’s CEO for nearly three decades, was found responsible for causing approximately $5.4 million in harm to the NRA’s finances through excessive spending on luxuries like private flights, yacht rentals, and expensive clothing. The jury also determined that LaPierre had violated his statutory obligations to act in good faith.
New York Attorney General Letitia James initiated the suit against the NRA in 2020, accusing the organization of misappropriating and mismanaging funds donated by its members. The jury’s verdict marked a significant defeat for the once-powerful gun rights group, which has seen its political influence diminished in recent years.
Following LaPierre’s resignation in early 2024, the NRA attempted to file for bankruptcy in order to avoid the litigation; however, a judge rejected the petition, stating that the filing was not done in good faith. The NRA continues to face legal battles and struggles to regain its footing amidst mounting scandals and financial difficulties.
The verdict sends a strong message to nonprofit organizations and their leaders, emphasizing the importance of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability. With the NRA now facing substantial liability, the future of the organization appears uncertain, leaving room for competitors to challenge its dominance in the realm of gun rights activism.