NRA chief ‘used group to fund lavish lifestyle’

Wayne LaPierre is accused of funnelling money for private jets and safaris in a trial that threatens the group’s powerful political status
Hugh Tomlinson
, Washington
The Times
Wayne LaPierre quit as head of the National Rifle Association days before the trial
Wayne LaPierre quit as head of the National Rifle Association days before the trial
BRENDAN MCDERMID/REUTERS
Hugh Tomlinson
, Washington
The Times

Wayne LaPierre ran the National Rifle Association as “Wayne’s World”, diverting millions of dollars to finance luxury travel for himself and other officials, prosecutors said at the start of a corruption trial involving the gun rights group.

Lawyers for New York State told a court in Manhattan that LaPierre used the NRA to fund a lavish lifestyle, funnelling money for private jets, yacht trips and African safaris.

LaPierre, 74, stepped down on Friday after more than three decades at the helm of the NRA before the start of the trial, which threatens to wreck the group he turned into a political powerhouse.

Letitia James, New York attorney-general, sued the NRA and its leader in 2020, alleging systemic corruption among senior officials.

In her opening statement,