Wayne LaPierre to step down as chief executive of National Rifle Association

LaPierre, 74, has cited health concerns but resignation comes days before he faces civil trial over alleged misuse of NRA funds

The longtime chief executive of the National Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre, is stepping down at the end of the month, the gun rights organization has announced, days before a civil trial in New York is set to explore allegations he used the group as his personal piggy bank".

The NRA issued a short statement from LaPierre via X, formerly known as Twitter, in which he said: 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."