A judge has ruled against appointing a monitor to oversee the National Rifle Association (NRA), but has prohibited former CEO Wayne LaPierre from working for the organization for the next ten years.
A New York judge has declined to impose an outside monitor to supervise the National Rifle Association (NRA) but has barred former CEO Wayne LaPierre from working for the organization for ten years. The ruling came on the final day of arguments in the second stage of the civil trial brought against the NRA by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Judge Joel Cohen reasoned that appointing a monitor would be an unnecessary burden on the NRA, stating that it would be "time-consuming, disruptive and will impose significant costs on the NRA without corresponding benefits." Cohen also expressed concerns about potential government intrusion into the gun rights organization.
NRA Judge Declines Monitor But Bars LaPierre for a Decade
The decision was met with mixed reactions. NRA attorney William A. Brewer III hailed it as a victory for the organization's reform efforts, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights in the case. Former CEO Wayne LaPierre condemned the ruling, arguing that a monitor would cripple the NRA financially.
NRA President Bob Barr pledged the organization's commitment to improving its governance practices. Despite LaPierre's resignation earlier this year due to health reasons, James had filed a corruption case against him, alleging that he siphoned millions of dollars from the NRA for personal use.
NRA Judge Declines Monitor But Bars LaPierre for a Decade
Prior to her election, James had vowed to challenge the NRA, labeling it a "terrorist organization." The NRA, in turn, accused James of using her office to target them. The lawsuit filed by James in 2020 alleged that NRA leaders violated state and federal laws to enrich themselves.
A jury subsequently ordered LaPierre to repay almost $4.4 million to the organization, while retired finance chief Wilson "Woody" Phillips was ordered to pay back $2 million.
NRA Judge Declines Monitor But Bars LaPierre for a Decade
Following Monday's ruling, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin expressed the organization's determination to continue its mission. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust among its members and winning upcoming elections.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
