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Wayne LaPierre
Former CEO and Executive Vice President, National Rifle Association
NRA leader found liable for corruption and financial self-dealing
Overview
Wayne LaPierre served as CEO and Executive Vice President of the NRA from 1991 to January 2024, making him the most powerful figure in American gun politics for over three decades. Under his leadership, the NRA spent over $170 million on political activities while blocking virtually all federal gun legislation. A 2024 civil trial in New York found LaPierre liable for corruption, financial self-dealing, and misusing NRA funds for personal luxury including $274,000 in clothing from a Beverly Hills boutique, trips on a 108-foot yacht owned by a vendor, and African safari trips. He was ordered to repay $4.35 million to the NRA.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Found liable for corruption and financial self-dealing by New York jury in 2024
Charged $274,000 in personal clothing to NRA vendor Ackerman McQueen
Used NRA funds for trips on 108-foot yacht belonging to vendor
Spent NRA funds on African safari trips for himself and family
NRA filed for bankruptcy in Texas in attempt to escape New York AG investigation (dismissed)
NRA spent $170M+ on political activities blocking gun safety legislation under his leadership
Opposed universal background checks despite 90% public support
Blocked CDC gun violence research funding for two decades through Dickey Amendment lobbying
Related Investigations (4)
Criminal Charges & Violations
1 documented violations
NY Executive Law 172Breach of fiduciary duty and self-dealing (civil)(Corruption)
Known Associates & Connections
Oliver North
Former NRA President who clashed with LaPierre over finances; ousted
Angus McQueen
Head of Ackerman McQueen; NRA's long-time ad agency that facilitated personal spending
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- November 8, 1949
- Birthplace
- Schenectady, New York
Education
- •Siena College (B.A. Political Science)
- •Boston College (M.A. Government)
Key Timeline
1991
Became NRA Executive Vice President and CEO
2005
Championed passage of PLCAA granting gun industry liability immunity
2020
New York AG Letitia James filed civil lawsuit alleging widespread corruption
January 2021
NRA filed for bankruptcy in Texas to escape NY jurisdiction (dismissed)
January 2024
Resigned as CEO days before civil trial began
February 2024
Found liable for corruption; ordered to repay $4.35 million