The American National Rifle Association, the most influential pro-gun lobby in the United States, has started a bankruptcy proceedings on January 15, 2021. Yet in his Press release, the association asserts that it does not “never be so well financially».
In reality, the group’s plan is to “drop New York», says its leader Wayne LaPierre, to get closer to its values of “preservation of freedom“And move away from”corrupt and rigid political climate in New York. This trip will allow growth and lasting success for the national defender of constitutional freedom».
This big announcement comes even as executives are accused of embezzlement. In August 2020, New York Attorney General Letitia James initiated a judiciary process against Wayne LaPierre and other senior members. They are accused of using millions of dollars from the association for personal gain. According to the survey, 63 million dollars (52 million euros) have been squandered in three years by the thinkers of the association for their families and friends or in the form of gifts to the largest suppliers.
In response to the prosecutor, the association filed a complaint for “obstruct the first amendment– that which concerns freedom of expression. After the bankruptcy announcement, the New York attorney quickly reacted: «The financial situation claimed by the NRA finally joins its moral situation: bankruptcy, she adds, we are reviewing the process, we will not allow the NRA to use this or any other technique to evade legal liability.»
Even if the association claims to be in good financial health, in reality, its accounts are in the red. CNN has had access to its latest tax returns which show a deficit of $ 12 million (10 million euros).
A of the association’s main donors, Dave Dell’Aquila, is filing a lawsuit against the association to prevent him from going bankrupt. If her complaint is heard, the NRA could be forced to repay debts she hoped to forget through her maneuver. The previous year, he already had started legal proceedings on behalf of association members for misuse of funds. In the sights of the complaint: some 240,000 dollars (200,000 euros) spent on luxury trips to the Bahamas and Europe and 274,000 dollars (225,000 euros) on luxury clothing purchased in Beverly Hills.
Since 2000, the NRA has spent over $ 139 million (115 million euros) on campaigning and lobbying. With its five million members, the association is a real electoral force capable of influencing the results of an election by favoring the candidates who are most favorable to arms.
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