The second phase of the civil trial against the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its top executives is scheduled to commence on Monday in Manhattan. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking an independent monitor to oversee the NRA and is also pushing to ban the organization's former CEO, Wayne LaPierre, from holding leadership positions or collecting funds on behalf of charitable organizations in New York. The judge will also consider whether the ex-general counsel, John Frazer, should be barred from charitable organizations in the state.
In the initial phase of the trial earlier this year, a jury found that LaPierre had misspent millions of NRA funds on personal luxuries, leading an extravagant lifestyle. The NRA was also found to have mismanaged its assets, provided inaccurate information in tax filings, and violated whistleblower protections under New York law.
The upcoming proceedings will be a bench trial, with the judge making the final decision. The NRA has opposed the appointment of a court-appointed monitor, claiming it is unnecessary. The organization's lawyer stated that the NRA has made corrections to ensure compliance with nonprofit laws in the state.
The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks, with witness testimony set to begin on Monday. Former NRA president Charles Cotton is expected to be the first witness, with other current employees and board members also listed to testify.
The trial has shed light on the NRA's leadership, culture, and finances. The jury previously ordered LaPierre and the NRA's retired finance chief to repay millions of dollars to the organization. A settlement was recently reached with the finance chief, who agreed to a 10-year ban from serving as a fiduciary of a not-for-profit organization in New York.
The trial has garnered significant attention due to the NRA's historical influence on federal law and elections. The outcome of the trial will have implications for the future operations of the organization and its leadership.
