Letitia James, New York Attorney General, has sued the National Rifle Association, a not-for-profit organization for financial misconduct, and sought that the organization be dissolved.
James in her suits against the organization on Thursday also sued the chief executive , Wayne LaPierre, and other executives including Wilson Phillips, former treasurer and chief financial officer, Joshua Powell, former chief of staff and general operations executive director, John Frazer, the corporate secretary and general counsel.
They were accused of mismanagement of fund belonging to the organization, and their failure to abide by the state and federal law, which cost the NRA 64 million in three years.
Speaking about the reason behind the suit, James said, “The NRA is fraught with fraud and abuse, which is why, today, we seek to dissolve the NRA, because no organization is above the law,”
James also in the complaint stated that NRA’s funds were used extravagantly including diverting millions of dollars for personal use and awarding contracts to close associates, families and employees.
She alleged that NRA’s millions of dollars were used by the executives to pay for families’ trips, private jets and expensive meals.
“Given the breadth and depth of the corruption, the illegality and the brazen attempts to evade the law, it is necessary for the NRA to shut its doors for good to protect members and donors,” James said.
While paying specific attention to Wayne LaPierre, James alleged that in just three years LaPierre had spent over $500,000 on eight trips to the Bahamas, luxury black car services, his wife’s makeup and hair. She added that LaPierre did obtain post-employment contract that values at $17 million worth.
In response to the lawsuit, LaPierre has refuted all allegations calling James’s suit unconstitutional. He added that the suit only aimed to present a bad image of the organization. He also said that they are ready to go to court.
“This is an unconstitutional, premeditated attack aiming to dismantle and destroy the NRA — the fiercest defender of America’s freedom at the ballot box for decades,” he said.
“The NRA is well governed, financially solvent, and committed to good governance. We’re ready for the fight. Bring it on,” LaPierre said in a statement.
Similarly, Carolyn Meadows, the NRA President, has regarded James’ complaint as baseless and an attack on the organization.
“It’s a transparent attempt to score political points and attack the leading voice in opposition to the leftist agenda,” said Meadows.
