Staff Reports
Wilson Phillips, the former finance chief of the National Rifle Association (NRA), has been barred from managing nonprofit funds in New York. This move, likely seen as politically motivated, imposes a 10-year ban on Phillips and requires him to undergo mandatory training before rejoining the nonprofit sector. The ban follows a jury's finding that he participated in a scheme that allegedly benefited NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre’s lifestyle.
Despite agreeing to the ban, Phillips is still liable for $2 million in damages to the NRA. His alleged misconduct includes approving invoices for LaPierre’s private jet flights and funneling payments to contractors associated with LaPierre. With these charges mounting, one might question how much of this is genuine financial misconduct and how much is political theater.
Washington Examiner: Former NRA finance chief agrees to 10-year ban from nonprofit management https://t.co/7hznCRxK0l
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) July 9, 2024
Phillips, who has already retired, now avoids the spectacle of a second phase trial in New York. New York’s Attorney General, Letitia James, is pursuing an aggressive civil lawsuit against the NRA and its executives, prompting speculation that this may be more about scoring political points than achieving justice. Her claims that the settlement will hold those abusing power accountable may seem hollow, especially given the targeted nature of these actions.
Wayne LaPierre, the embattled CEO of the NRA, is stepping down just before the New York civil trial—designed by James to scrutinize his leadership of the pro-gun organization. The timing and parties involved suggest that this trial may carry a significant political agenda. Additionally, LaPierre’s former general counsel, John Frazer, is facing potential bans from charitable organizations under James’s scrutiny.
Earlier this year, a Manhattan jury concluded that LaPierre misused millions of NRA funds, ordering him to repay nearly $4.4 million. However, the broader context reveals an apparent intent by New York’s leadership to weaken the NRA through legal assaults. While Frazer was found guilty of duty violations, he did not face any financial restitution—a comparatively light consequence.
This legal saga stems from a 2020 lawsuit initiated by James, who originally sought to dissolve the NRA. Although Judge Cohen ruled in 2022 that the organization would not face a “corporate death penalty,” the legal challenges continue. James now seeks an independent monitor over NRA finances and aims to ban LaPierre from any leadership roles in New York charities. While she asserts that this effort ensures nonprofit donations serve the public, critics argue it’s another attempt to undermine a prominent advocate for Second Amendment rights.
To those observing, this may appear less like a pursuit of justice and more like a politically motivated campaign against an institution defending the right to bear arms.
