A New York judge ruled Monday not to appoint an outside monitor to oversee the National Rifle Association (NRA), but barred Wayne LaPierre, the gun rights group’s former CEO, from working at the organization for 10 years.
Judge Joel Cohen’s split decision came on the final day of arguments in the second phase of the NRA civil lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Cohen said appointing a comptroller to oversee the NRA was not an appropriate solution, saying it would be “time-consuming, disruptive and impose significant costs on the NRA without corresponding benefits.”
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Wayne LaPierre, then executive vice president and CEO of the NRA, speaks to guests at the 2023 NRA-ILA Leadership Forum on April 13, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. A New York judge has banned the former CEO from working for the gun rights group for at least a decade. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
He also expressed concerns about possible government intrusion into the gun rights organization.
“Today’s developments validate the NRA’s reform efforts and commitment to good governance – and recognize the First Amendment issues in this case,” NRA attorney William A. Brewer III said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Based on the record at trial, the court denied the New York State Attorney General’s request for an observer.”
LaPierre said appointing a comptroller to oversee the NRA’s finances would be “the equivalent of sticking a knife right into the heart of the organization and twisting it.”
“General James will have achieved his goal of fulfilling his campaign promise to dissolve the NRA due to lack of money and members,” he said.
In a statement, NRA President Bob Barr said the group was committed to improving its “good governance.”
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New York Attorney General Letitia James has vowed to go after the NRA and has labeled the group a “terrorist organization.” (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, file)
“As the NRA has committed to the court, we will continue to seek to enhance our commitment to good governance,” Barr said. “We thank the board for its support and salute our loyal members. Freedom prevails, once again.”
LaPierre resigned from the organization earlier this year, citing health reasons. James has filed a corruption lawsuit against the former CEO, who has been accused of embezzling millions of dollars from the NRA to fund a lavish lifestyle, including private jet travel and other luxury gifts.
Before being elected, James had vowed to take on the NRA and called the group a “terrorist organization.” The NRA accused James of using her office as a weapon to target the group.
In 2020, she filed a lawsuit accusing NRA executives of violating state and federal laws to divert millions of dollars into their own pockets.
Letitia James accused NRA leaders of violating federal and state laws to divert millions of dollars into their own pockets.
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A jury ordered LaPierre to repay nearly $4.4 million to the organization, while retired NRA chief financial officer Wilson “Woody” Phillips was ordered to repay $2 million.
Following Monday’s decision, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin said the group plans to move “full speed ahead” on its mission.
“We have a mission to fulfill and elections to win at every level,” he said. “This is an important step toward restoring the trust of members, donors, the industry and our staff.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
