LaPierre steps down as CEO of pro-gun rights organization days before his trial in bribery case

By Mucahit Oktay

NEW YORK (AA) – Wayne LaPierre, CEO of the pro-gun rights organization National Rifle Association (NRA), resigned from his position on Friday, just days before his trial in a bribery case was set to begin.

The NRA said in a statement that LaPierre resigned due to health reasons and that he will continue to fight the bribery case in court.

LaPierre, whose evaluations were included in the statement, said, "With pride in all that we have accomplished, I am announcing my resignation from the NRA."

The NRA's 74-year-old CEO, who has led the organization since 1991, was accused of "receiving millions of dollars in bribes" for private jet trips, yacht trips, African safaris, and other similar activities, and a lawsuit was filed against him.

The case will be heard on Jan. 8.

LaPierre, who blames video games, the media, and politicians for the country's gun violence, is well-known for his remark, "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."