Yesterday, a judge dismissed the National Rifle Association’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, ruling that the Association filed it in bad faith. In his ruling Judge Harlin Hale let the NRA know that if they continue to press the matter, the court would “immediately take up some of its concerns about disclosure, transparency, secrecy, conflicts of interest of officers and litigation counsel, and the unusual involvement of litigation counsel in the affairs of the NRA.”
Those are doors that Wayne LaPierre and the rest of NRA management probably don’t want to open. In addition, another filing would increase the possibility of the court ordering a trustee who would displace LaPierre and possibly additional NRA officers.
In response to Judge Hale’s ruling, the NRA has issued this press release . . .
In response to today’s dismissal of a prior bankruptcy filing, the National Rifle Association of America (“NRA”) announced that it will continue to fight on all fronts in the interests of its mission and its members.
The New York Attorney General and others had aligned against the NRA in opposition to the NRA’s reorganization plan announced on January 15, 2021. They sought to dismiss the NRA’s bankruptcy filing with prejudice or, in the alternative, appointment of a court-appointed trustee, to take control of the Association’s business and financial affairs. Importantly, a United States Bankruptcy Court in Dallas did not appoint a Trustee or examiner, even as it ruled the Association may not proceed with the chapter 11 case. The court dismissed the bankruptcy filing without prejudice, meaning the NRA does have the option to file a new bankruptcy case.
During a 12-day hearing that occurred over approximately four weeks, the NRA established that it had adopted new policies and accounting controls, displaced many “insiders” who had allegedly abused the Association, and accepted reparations for costs voluntarily determined to be excess benefits. The hearing proceedings focused on the NRA’s compliance efforts, and the organization’s renewed commitment to good governance.
In an opinion, dated May 11, 2021, the Hon. Harlin D. Hale, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Northern District of Texas, wrote, “In short, the testimony…suggests that the NRA now understands the importance of compliance. Outside of bankruptcy, the NRA can pay its creditors, continue to fulfill its mission, continue to improve its governance and internal controls, contest dissolution in the NYAG Enforcement Action, and pursue the legal steps necessary to leave New York.”
Underscoring the importance of the proceedings, Judge Hale previously said the NYAG motion contesting the NRA’s Chapter 11 filing was “the most important motion I’ve ever heard as a judge.”
The NRA remains determined to further streamline its legal and business affairs in the best interests of its constituents and members.
NRA CEO & EVP Wayne LaPierre said today’s decision – and the ongoing independence of the NRA – empowers the Association’s approximately 5 million members.
“The NRA remains committed to its members and our plan for the future,” says NRA CEO & EVP Wayne LaPierre. “Although we are disappointed in some aspects of the decision, there is no change in the overall direction of our Association, its programs, or its Second Amendment advocacy. Today is ultimately about our members – those who stand courageously with the NRA in defense of constitutional freedom. We remain an independent organization that can chart its own course, even as we remain in New York to confront our adversaries. The NRA will keep fighting, as we’ve done for 150 years.”
The NRA remains determined to confront NYAG Letitia James in her attempt to dissolve NRA. The NYAG seeks such remedies as part of a lawsuit she filed on August 6, 2020. In summer 2018, then NYAG candidate James called the NRA a “criminal enterprise” and “terrorist organization.” Her subsequent pursuit of the NRA has been characterized by many legal experts and constitutional scholars as a gross weaponization of legal and regulatory power.
“The NRA will continue to defend the interests of the Association in New York,” says William A. Brewer III, counsel to the NRA. “Our client has faith in its leadership, and its demonstrated commitment to good governance.”
“The record reflects the NRA undertook a ‘course correction’ with respect to its management,” says NRA President Carolyn Meadows. “The Association is strong and secure – once again moving forward above the objections of its adversaries and those who oppose Second Amendment freedoms.”
The NRA can still pursue establishing business operations in Texas, and the organization will continue to explore moving its headquarters there from Virginia. Texas is home to more than 400,000 NRA members.
The bankruptcy hearing became the nation’s highest-profile legal proceeding of its kind. The virtual proceedings, involving more than 20 witnesses, explored novel issues that define the roles and responsibilities of legal defendants subjected to the threat of dissolution. The NRA has maintained it is financially viable, following its current pathway, in part, to escape a toxic political environment in New York. The NRA was incorporated in New York in 1871.
The legal proceedings revealed the NRA’s commitment to good governance and efforts to follow the “principled path” with respect to its management practices, board oversight, and member obligations under Mr. LaPierre’s leadership. Mr. LaPierre remains at the helm of the organization, directing political affairs, grassroots activities and other functions essential to the defense of the Second Amendment.
“The record establishes that NRA members can have great confidence in this institution and its plans for the future,” says NRA First Vice President Charles Cotton. “The Association will work with members, vendors, and other constituents to continue the fight for freedom.”
“Our NRA is pressing forward with its plans, and remains determined to promote constitutional freedoms,” says NRA Second Vice President Lt. Col. Willes K. Lee, USA (Ret). “We will never shrink from the tough and principled stands we take on behalf of our law-abiding 5 million members.”
~NRA~
About the National Rifle Association
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit http://nra.org.
“…In addition, another filing would increase the possibility of the court ordering a trustee who would displace LaPierre and possibly additional NRA officers…”
The court should have appointed this trustee from the beginning instead of dropping the issue!
Hard to do that without accepting the status or premise of being bankrupt.
as long as Wayne and his cronies are still there…none or this matters….
As a LIFE member, instructor and couch. The NRA needs NEW leadership. Wayne has stacked the deck. not to mention his shooting an elephant which is terrible optics to say the least and going on safari on NRA money is even worse. I stopped sending donations when I read about WP’s excesses. The board needs to get a backbone and change the leadership. Then I will send money. Until then there are other organizations I can donate to.
76 members is not a BoD.
NRA needs another Cincinnati revolt.
OH OOHHH…!
I bet Waynes about puke sick by now.
Nah. Unless he’s been spending his salary on hookers and blow, he’s very well compensated to the end of his life.
Oh, and buried in a really nice suit.
I’ll bet he has a golden parachute arranged. In the meanwhile it will be golden showers from the hookers and his mistress, err intern.
As bad as things are for the NRA I’m not going to cut and run and move into camp with the nyag and its ilk. The NRA needs to oust W ASAP and continue setting up in Texas. Every bit of this drama is totally uncalled for and certainly no fault of the trusting membership.
Bottom line…Those at the top who got us into this mess have got to go. And those who replace them had better know how and demonstrate they can stretch a dollar bill around the block.
Former board members tried this years ago but the hubris of the executive leadership and their personal gravy train assured that no meaningful reform (the first step should’ve been moving all offices from New York) would occur.
The NRA isn’t moving to Texas, they only changed their state of incorporation as part of the legal defense. The headquarters will stay where they are at.
Blah blah blah. No money from me until Wayne and cronies are gone
This ^ +1000
WLP will drive the NRA into the ground before he steps down.
O/T: I dislike off-topic posts in the comments, but this seems to be underreported and hopefully some here can shed more light on this:
Well it really funny, all of these “Neo-Cons” and aging “Cold Warriors” are just itching to get into a fight with Russia, with our kids blood and guts, not theirs, of course. Every single country does good things and bad things and acts in its self-interest. Russia is no different.
Some places like Iran or China simply need to have regime change, as their actions against our interests and their our people are reason enough. Russia is different and needs to be approached differently and policy needs to be bi-partisan.
The sad fact is, the Cold War ended in 1992 and US Strategy is still rooted in the Cold War and containment of the Soviet Threat. It is 2021 and we have no agreed upon strategic vision for our future and the future of international relations, in the post cold war era.
Good on Putin and Russia for learning the correct lesson regarding gun control and civilian ownership of weapons.
America is making a mistake by not making allies with Russia. Anyway I think so.
What did Iran ever do to us? Israel has killed more US servicemen (USS Liberty).
“What did Iran ever do to us?”
Seriously, ‘Serious question?’ ?
Have you forgotten the threats of “Death to America” via nuclear destruction?
If someone makes a serious threat on my life, I will take them at their word they intend to do it, and take steps to make sure they can’t carry out that threat…
Okay so way the heck off topic but ….
Are you nuts? Iran has been and continues to be responsible for countless dead American soldiers in the mid-east. It was Iran that trained and supplied fighters in killing American troops and American armor. One of the earliest examples was in the Iraq war when an Abrams tank took a hit by a weapon the enemy should not have had, a shaped charged that burned a hole in the tank. From there it has been ever greater weapons sophistication, killing Americans with roadside bombs and weapons smuggled in by the QUDs Force and other Iranian units.
Iran had the misfortune of not bowing down to the terrorist state of Israel. That is all it takes for the Israel Firsters to throw Americans under the bus for the glory of Greater Israel.
valid point…but the Iranians daily chant “death to America”….
Well, it clear you don’t know jack shit
I find it amazing that you think a country that shouts “DEATH TO AMERICA” is our buddy? Iran is a provider of terrorism all over the world.. Yet their you sit thinking what have they done to us? In that part of the world Israel has been our only true friend the rest say one thing and due another much like the democratic party.
This is Obama-level “thinking.”
I support the NRA. We need ’em. We need ’em to fight for us. I don’t care how much WLP’s suits cost, as long as the NRA is a potent political force on our side.
Well Putin gets it, but who would have thunk!
Uhhh, just because Putin says something doesn’t mean he and his dictator cronies would ever allow it. Guess a bunch of people who post here weren’t around during the old Cold War era. Same peeps would probably take Xi or Kim at their word as well.
“The only good commie is a dead commie” well used statement from the 50’s and 60’s. Seemed right then…Seems right now.
A very interesting quote, could you provide a source or citation please?
https://www.loc.gov/law/help/firearms-control/russia.php
And that is a quote from…? Most of the media reports I’ve seen said that Putin is aiming for more restrictions on guns, whereas this passage suggests the opposite. Of course, I feel the urge to spit whenever the word “media” comes out of my mouth, so who knows which is correct?
Regardless, Putin is an old KGB fox, which makes me wonder whether he’s playing some diversion games here. Watch his right hand do one thing, while the left hand pulls out a knife. Or poison dart pen, as the case may be. It’s a sit up and take notice thing, for sure.
You will be sure of the truth by listening to media reports
Well the NRA is incorporated in New York State, since 1871, so its hard to see how a BK Filing in Texas would be lawful. Also, Wayne (no surprise) initiated the BK Filing on his own without first getting authorization from the board of directors, as required in the by-laws.
Wayne and his fellow criminals have been stealing from the NRA for decades and they need to be ousted from their positions and need to go to jail, as well as re-pay every single dime they have taken or gifted to friends, family and mistresses (Wayne). If that means they lose their houses, cars and retirement, so be it.
I have been a Life Member since 1982 and am shocked at the unethical and unlawful behavior they has been documented and that has apparently known for decades. Paying the California Members Council with organization funds, so they can campaign and support board members for national election in secret, that are loyal to Wayne is a violation of Federal Law and the Tax code.
I guess the DemoRats on the Federal level figure, it is better to have a hobbled NRA than a cleaned up NRA. Besides, I’m sure so many DemoRat non-profit and not for profit groups are guilty of the same or far worse, they don’t want to set-up themselves up for revenge in the future. The fact that the political class views enforcement of the rule of law as a “Weapon”, tells you a lot that is wrong with our country today.
Brilliant legal scholar Brewer had them make an empty company in TX that the NRA could then owe and refuse to pay. That was their excuse for filing in TX as relief from that creditor, which also told the court they didn’t want an examiner to look into their debtor.
Whatever your views on the NRAs politics, or the agenda of the AG, the NYAG has identified many MANY areas in which NRA leadership were misusing membership dues for self-dealing, self-enrichment, and other gross malfeasance.
The attempt to run from NY and incorporate elsewhere was ridiculous and doomed from the start, whatever attorney (no doubt a highly-paid friend of WLP) recommended it as a strategy should be a laughing stock in any court proceeding.
As many other have said! WAYNE must go along with his big perks and extravagant life. No money from me until he’s gone.
I was honestly expecting a like whoring reaction video. On par with NRA stunts.
Wayne has no plans to leave so get used to it. He does whatever he wants and doesn’t care if he follows the bylaws. It’s just the way it is and if you don’t like it, too bad. Plenty of NRA members – more than the cry baby bunch on this site – are just fine with him.
WLP will only leave the NRA when he is found dead with his “intern” in a seedy motel and a half kilo of Columbian white on the table.
I don’t think calling out an official for his corrupt ways is being a cry baby. I have been disenchanted with the NRA for a long time. Unfortunately, among the anti-gun control organizations it has been the 800 pound gorilla. Well, it looks as if the gorilla was only a plastic blow-up doll. No wonder we can’t get traction in DC or anywhere else, WLP is too busy spending membership dues on emoluments to which he is not entitled. How many ten seat campaign dinner tables could one of his suits have bought that might have convinced some on-the-borderline politician that gun control was not the red hot idea other contributors made it out to be? Forgo enough suits and trips and WLP could have purchased a seat at the head table and been introduced as an honored guest.
Jessie Unruh, the boss of California politics for many years is quoted as saying “Money is the mother’s milk of politics.” That’s money in the politician’s campaign fund, not money for bespoke suits for WLP.
“Cleaning out corrupt members of the board.” What a joke! WLP is lucky the age of dueling is past, otherwise the Marine colonel would be calling him out. What got cleaned out is the members who would no longer stand for his mismanagement of a proud old organization.
I look forward to the day when I can proudly say that I am a member of the NRA. I am sending my NRA contributions to other gun organizations, GOA, 2ndA Foundation, CRPA, CGOA and other groups. This was a good year. I am sending Ole’ Uncle Two Blasts stimulus funds to stimulate action in those groups.
Something about reaping what you sow…
The idea that WLP is going to be around much longer is ludicrous. He’s 72 and doesn’t need the gig. Being the 150th year I’d bet money he’ll announce retirement around Labor Day at or ahead of the Annual Meetings.
What I think is funny are all the comments here from people who have been long time NRA haters here and elsewhere about “no more money” and “not another dime” until he’s gone, etc. I doubt we should hold our breaths waiting for that “dime” when he does leave…
Oh, and if anyone here is actually a qualified voting member of NRA and/or is one of the more than 2 million members who don’t even bother to return their Board member ballots; consider voting for me this year.
Craig Swartz from Adel, Iowa.
I’m the only one on the ballot from Iowa, and to make it even more simple, you don’t have to vote for 26 candidates, just vote for me… I’ve never been on the Board before and can’t be tied to any activities other than I’ve been a 2A activist for 40-some years as well as a higher-than-average contributor and I have been nominated and endorsed by the Nominating Committee.
Wayne has no plans to leave by Labor Day Craig.
You had my support right up to the point where you said the Nominating Committee picked and endorsed you. You’re trumpeting the seal of approval from Wayne’s cronies. Had you gotten nominated by petition from members, you’d have my full support.
When WLP and his team of co-criminals are gone, I’ll rejoin the NRA. Until then it’s the GOA, SAF and FPC.
Beyond that, anything coming out of the NRA official mouthpieces is not to be believed or trusted.
Blah, blah, blah…
“Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group.”
That’s a lie right there. The NRA has compromised on gun control in the 1930s, in the 1960s, and more recently with Clinton’s “assault weapon” ban. Civil rights? They don’t know what the word means. They are too busy stuffing their pockets full of donations and handing it out like candy to leadership. A death curse on the NRA. I hope New York kills them off. Best thing for gun rights is for the phony NRA to go away.
IF the NRA ever gave a F about 2A and gun owners, they would have fired Wayne a long time ago, cleaned house, implemented fundamental reforms like promptly downsizing the BOD and other reforms advocated by groups like Save the Second.
At this point in time, ALL gun owners – especially NRA members – need to TOTALLY DIVEST THEMSELVES OF, AND SEVER ALL CONTACT & ASSOCIATION WITH, the NRA!
#NOTourGUNgroup
“The legal proceedings revealed the NRA’s commitment to good governance and efforts to follow the “principled path” with respect to its management practices, board oversight, and member obligations under Mr. LaPierre’s leadership.”
Funny, that respect for oversight and good management practices doesn’t include an independent, external audit. In fact, they ostracized the board members that suggested it.
Even backward West Virginia has a law that requires nonprofit organizations to hire an independent outside firm to audit their finances at least every other year, I find it hard to believe that New York State does not have a similar requirement.
Maybe New York State would’ve caught Donald Trump stealing from the funds raised for wounded veterans by the Trump foundation.
And maybe my shrink would have found a cure for my TDS.
Maybe then I could go a minute without dreaming about that big boy.
My precious, where have you gone?
“During a 12-day hearing that occurred over approximately four weeks, the NRA established that it had adopted new policies and accounting controls, displaced many “insiders” who had allegedly abused the Association, and accepted reparations for costs voluntarily determined to be excess benefits.”
If this is so then why is WLP still around?
“In short, the testimony…suggests that the NRA now understands the importance of compliance.
This is pure spin. The actual statement was:
“In short, the testimony of Ms. Rowling and several others suggests that the NRA now understands the importance of compliance.”
These were the whistleblowers.
“During a 12-day hearing that occurred over approximately four weeks, the NRA established that it had adopted new policies and accounting controls, displaced many “insiders” who had allegedly abused the Association, and accepted reparations for costs voluntarily determined to be excess benefits. ”
And yet Wayne LaPierre is still sucking off the NRA teat like the 13 year old fat kid of a liberal momma. Which tells me that, once again, LaPierre will happily watch the NRA crumble around him rather than do the right thing and leave.
The NRA must forcibly remove the cancer that is Wayne LaPierre and his inner circle. If he cared two craps about the mission of the NRA he would have voluntarily left a long time ago but he’s a parasite who’s there to feed off the organization, not do the right thing.
Wayne needs to go . The 5 million members deserve better, but too many did not pay attention for too long . Neal Knox beat ’em back in shape in 1977 , but then lobbyist LaPew came on Board and has consolidated power ever since . As someone else said, I only vote for Director candidates nominated by petition, usually only 2 or 3 each year .
Not unusual for states to go after crooked business leaders, but is out of whack for her to seek destroying the “company” . Find a cell for Wayne and pals, but the “stockholders” should not be punished.
Here you go: https://contact.nra.org/
When LaPierre begins to purchase suits/clothes at the local Macys, Kohls, etc I might give him another look But until that time I have no reason to give to any of their solicitations .
Wayne has got to go bro…. I said this 4 years ago…. if he would leave, we will grow.
Send WLP and the board to jail.
I’m sure gonna miss my “Shooting Illustrated” magazines but 35 bucks a year is too steep for a subscription. Other than that I have no other contact with the NRA except for the mailers and phone solicitations. I rarely get these anymore since I sent several mailers back inside the prepaid envelope with” no more” written in marker, and the phone calls…I just kept asking the solicitator again and again ” is Wayne still there? you’ll get no more until he’s gone”. Yea, I’m sure gonna miss S.I. after November.
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