by Just minutes ago it was announced that Wayne LaPierre would resign as Executive VP and CEO of the National Rifle Association effective January 31st. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, health is the cited reason for his resignation.
Fox News has this from the released statement:
“With pride in all that we have accomplished, I am announcing my resignation from the NRA,” LaPierre said in the NRA’s press release, which was exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital. “I’ve been a card-carrying member of this organization for most of my adult life, and I will never stop supporting the NRA and its fight to defend Second Amendment freedom. My passion for our cause burns as deeply as ever.”
The report goes on to say that Andrew Arulanandam will serve as interim CEO and EVP of the NRA. As was told to me a month ago, Arulandandam was considered an “acolyte” of Bill Brewer which does not bode well for the NRA.
LaPierre had this to say about Arulanandam as his successor according to Fox:
What makes the NRA unlike any other advocacy organization is the depth and experience of its professional team, the unwavering support of its members, and its fighting spirit. I have enormous confidence in our board of directors, executive leadership team, and my long-time colleague Andrew Arulanandam. Andrew knows every facet of this organization and has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me in every arena imaginable. Andrew knows how to help the NRA win – he’s been one of the key authors of our playbook for decades,”
There had been some speculation about the called Board of Directors meeting being held in Dallas today. One was whether they were going to declare bankruptcy again. While that is still in the cards given their financial issues, it is obvious that having Wayne resign on the eve of the trial “for health reasons” is part of the legal strategy going forward. I have heard that many on the Board were surprised by Wayne’s resignation. However, I am told that when Wayne took the microphone last night at the Chairman’s cocktail party, it was pretty much a goodbye speech.
A former director speculated to me that they thought this was a move to get a settlement with a wrist slap and the Board “will continue stupid”. Unfortunately, he may be correct.
As this is a developing story, I am sure I will have more later.
He should have resigned or been fired a long time ago.
Time to put pressure on the board for a credible and honest replacement. Interim may not be good but it is interim and the key is the permanent replacement. Lots of people in the gun world that fit the bill.