LaPierre’s resignation takes effect Jan. 31
Wayne LaPierre, the long-serving chief of the National Rifle Association (NRA), announced his resignation on Friday. He expressed pride in his time with the NRA and his ongoing support for the organization. LaPierre, 74, cited health reasons for his departure, effective January 31. Andrew Arulanandam, the NRA’s executive head, will take over as interim CEO.
NRA President Charles Cotton accepted LaPierre’s resignation at a board meeting in Irving, Texas. Cotton praised LaPierre’s dedication to defending Second Amendment rights and his role in building the NRA into an organization that transcends individual leadership. Under Arulanandam’s direction, Cotton anticipates a bright and secure future for the NRA.
This announcement comes amid legal challenges for LaPierre. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, has accused NRA leadership of financial misconduct. James, who previously labeled the NRA a “terrorist organization,” initiated a lawsuit in 2020 alleging misuse of funds by NRA leaders. The NRA counters that James is misusing her powers to target the organization due to her opposition to their stance on the Second Amendment.
LaPierre’s career with the NRA spans nearly five decades, starting in 1977. He became CEO and executive vice president in 1991. Under his leadership, the NRA advocated for constitutional carry laws and “stand your ground” laws nationwide. The U.S. became a constitutional carry-majority nation in 2023. LaPierre also oversaw the growth of the “Friends of the NRA,” a non-political charity, and expanded NRA membership.
In his farewell statement, LaPierre reaffirmed his belief in the NRA’s mission and its secure future. He expressed confidence in the NRA’s team, its supportive members, and particularly in Arulanandam, whom he described as a key player in the NRA’s successes.
