On Monday, a judge in New York ruled against appointing an external monitor for the National Rifle Association (NRA) while imposing a ten-year employment ban on Wayne LaPierre, the former CEO of the organization.
Judge Joel Cohen’s decisive judgment came at the conclusion of the arguments in the second phase of the civil trial against the NRA initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Cohen explained that appointing a monitor to supervise the NRA was not an appropriate solution, noting it would be “time-consuming, disruptive, and would impose substantial costs on the NRA without corresponding advantages.”
SOTOMAYOR FACES BACKLASH FOR GUN RIGHTS VIEWS AFTER BODYGUARDS SHOOT WOULD-BE CARJACKER: ‘INCREDIBLY IRONIC’
Wayne LaPierre, then NRA Executive Vice President and CEO, addressed attendees at the 2023 NRA-ILA Leadership Forum on April 13, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. A New York judge has prohibited the former CEO from working with the NRA for at least a decade. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
He also expressed worries regarding potential government oversights into the NRA’s operations.
“Today’s developments affirm the NRA’s reform initiatives and dedication to good governance – and recognize the First Amendment implications in this case,” stated NRA attorney William A. Brewer III in a message to Fox News Digital. “Based on the evidence presented at trial, the court denied the NYAG’s request for a monitor.”
LaPierre remarked that having a monitor supervise the NRA’s financial activities would be like “plunging a knife straight into the organization’s heart and twisting it.”
“General James would succeed in fulfilling her campaign promise, effectively dismantling the NRA due to financial depletion and a dwindling membership,” he added.
NRA President Bob Barr stated in a release that the organization is devoted to enhancing its “good governance.”
NRA DIGS UP HISTORY TO PUSH BACK ON KAMALA HARRIS’ CLAIM ON ‘ASSAULT’ BAN
New York Attorney General Letitia James pledged to challenge the NRA and referred to the organization as a “terrorist organization.” (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
“As previously committed to the court, the NRA will persistently strive to enhance our governance practices,” Barr emphasized. “We extend gratitude to the board for its backing and salute our dedicated members. Freedom prevails once more.”
Earlier this year, LaPierre stepped down from the NRA, citing health concerns. James initiated a corruption probe against him, alleging he misused millions from the NRA to sustain a lavish lifestyle featuring private jet travels and extravagant gifts.
Before her election, James had pledged to confront the NRA and labeled it a “terrorist organization.” The NRA claims that James is using her office to target the organization strategically.
In 2020, she filed a lawsuit asserting that NRA leadership violated both state and federal regulations, misappropriating millions for personal gain.
Letitia James accused NRA executives of breaking state and federal laws to misappropriate millions for their personal benefit.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
A jury instructed LaPierre to reimburse nearly $4.4 million to the NRA, while the organization’s former finance chief, Wilson “Woody” Phillips, was ordered to repay $2 million.
In light of Monday’s verdict, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin mentioned the organization intends to move forward “with full speed” on its objectives.
“We have a mission to accomplish and elections to win across the board,” he stated. “This represents a significant advancement toward reinstating trust with our members, donors, the industry, and our staff.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
