New York's Attorney General's Lawsuit Aims to Dissolve the NRA

A lawsuit filed Thursday saw New York Attorney General Letitia James claiming financial misconduct by NRA executives which resulted in the loss of over $64 million a three year period. According to the suit, the executives in question misused NRA funds meant for charity for their own personal interests.

Investigation Shows Fraud and Abuse

Seeking to dissolve the association is the most aggressive move James could take. The NRA falls under her jurisdiction because it is registered in New York. Despite James’ authority over nonprofits in the state, including the power to force them to dissolve or cease operations, the NRA is likely to contest the move. 

The NRA stated that the legal action was political, and said that it will confront the issue and come out on top. James, on the other hand, called the association out being “fraught with fraud and abuse,” due to the power it has held for decades. 

“The NRA is fraught with fraud and abuse, which is why, today, we seek to dissolve the NRA, because no organization is above the law,” New York AG Letitia James

The complaint names the association as a whole, but also includes four individuals, all top executives of the NRA: Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, general counsel John Frazer, former Chief Financial Officer Woody Phillips and former chief of staff Joshua Powell. 

James’ suit lists dozens of examples of financial misconduct, including the use of NRA funds for private jets, expensive meals, vacations, and expenses. The lawsuit seeks to dissolve the NRA entirely, alongside asking for the four individuals listed to pay back all unlawful profits, as well as removing LaPierre and Frazer from leadership positions. and prevent the four from ever serving on a charity board in New York again.