NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!
The National Rifle Association said Monday that its board of directors has re-elected Wayne Lapierre as chief executive officer and executive vice president, although the organization is plagued by financial problems and accusations of its expenses.
LaPierre was challenged by Lt. Col. Alan West, but the organization said West ultimately received only one vote – and that the vote was preceded by a resolution declaring support for “past, present and future” for LaPierre.
NAP LAPIER SAYS ARMS CONTROL, NOT RESPONSE TO TEXAS MASSAGE
The re-election comes when the gun rights group is under siege by gun control activists following the deadly shootings in Uwalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. Gunmen killed 10 at a supermarket in Buffalo and 19 children and two adults in Uwalde, Texas.
These shootings were followed by new calls for arms control – calls that were vehemently rejected by the NRA and LaPierre, who instead said mental health and school security should be the focus.
May 27, 2022: Executive Vice President of the National Arms Association Wayne Lapierre speaks at the NRA-ILA Leaders Forum at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. (AP Photo / Michael Wyke)
“Like all Americans, we grieve for the people of Uwalde and Texas,” LaPierre said in a statement. “And as we do so, we join the call to support courageous law enforcement agencies such as Deputy Toman, to improve mental health services and to make our schools safer and more secure. Our children are our most valuable and valuable resource – making schools safe is a national emergency. “
“I am honored to continue my work for the NRA and join our members in their campaign to promote responsible gun ownership and protect the freedom of the Second Amendment for all law-abiding Americans,” he said.
BETO O’RORK, GUARANTEE OF WEAPONS CONTROL PROTESTS OUTSIDE NRA CONVENTION: “I AM ASHAMED OF YOU”
The NRA has been rocked by scandals and financial problems in recent years. New York Attorney General Leticia James has tried to disband the organization through a lawsuit alleging that millions have been turned away for personal travel by LaPierre and others, as well as no-show contracts and other dubious expenses. The case failed, but a separate lawsuit is pending over the removal of LaPierre and other top officials.
The organization requested bankruptcy in 2021, but this was rejected by a judge. The Associated Press has since reported that the organization has been involved in mass layoffs and reportedly cut drastically in spending, including on political candidates.
LaPierre has been known for his often uncompromising stance on gun rights since taking over the organization in the early 1990s. Although he supports some limited weapons control measures, such as socket restrictions, he has repeatedly rejected the idea that more restrictions on the Second Amendment are the answer to mass shootings.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“There are absolutely certain things we can and must do,” he said in a speech to the NRA Congress last week. “Where we break up [President Biden] and many of his party is on the political issue … what can and must we do to prevent the hateful, vile monsters that roam among us from doing their evil. ”
“Restricting the basic human right of law-abiding Americans to defend themselves is not the answer,” he said. – It’s never been.
Kyle Morris of Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Add Comment