In a recent development, a New York judge has made two significant rulings regarding the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its former CEO, Wayne LaPierre. The judge declined to appoint an outside monitor for the NRA but banned LaPierre from employment with the organization for ten years.
The first ruling came in response to a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accused the NRA of financial mismanagement and self-dealing. After a jury trial, Judge Joel Cohen determined that LaPierre had violated his duties as CEO and caused $5.4 million in damages to the organization.
Despite this finding, Cohen decided against appointing an outside monitor to oversee the NRA's operations. He stated that such a remedy would be disruptive, time-consuming, and costly for the organization without corresponding benefits.
Instead, Cohen ordered LaPierre to be banned from employment with the NRA or its affiliates for ten years. The judge also encouraged the NRA and New York Attorney General's office to negotiate further reforms to improve governance practices within the organization.
LaPierre had been a prominent figure in the NRA for over three decades, serving as CEO and executive vice president before stepping down earlier this year. He has denied any wrongdoing but admitted using company funds for personal trips and gifts during his tenure.
The second ruling came in response to a separate lawsuit filed by James against LaPierre personally. In this case, Cohen barred LaPierre from serving as an officer or director of the NRA for the next decade. The judge expressed concerns over potential speech-chilling government intrusion on the affairs of the organization but emphasized that this relief was about the privilege, not the right, to serve in such a capacity.
The NRA has faced financial challenges in recent years, including an attempt at bankruptcy and shrinking membership. The organization celebrated Cohen's decision against appointing a monitor and remains committed to good governance practices moving forward.
