• The NRA, whose headquarters are in Virginia (above), said in a statement they were going to restructure as a Texas nonprofit to exit what it said was a ‘corrupt political and regulatory environment in New York’ where it has been incorporated for 150 years
    The NRA, whose headquarters are in Virginia (above), said in a statement they were going to restructure as a Texas nonprofit to exit what it said was a ‘corrupt political and regulatory environment in New York’ where it has been incorporated for 150 years
    STAFF REPORT

    The National Rifle Association plans to move to Texas, pending ongoing litigation brought against it by the New York State attorney general, who has sought to dissolve the organization for violating its nonprofit status.

    As part of the move, the gun rights group is also considering closing or shrinking its headquarters located in Fairfax, Va., officials stated, emphasizing no decision has been made.

    The NRA, chartered in New York state in 1871, has long had most of its employees based in the Washington area.

    Last summer, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) filed a lawsuit that called for the removal of NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre from the leadership post he had held for four decades, stating he and other officials used the nonprofit group to finance a luxurious lifestyle. 

    LaPierre kicked back at James in making the announcement of the planned move.

    “Obviously, an important part of this plan is ‘dumping New York,’’ LaPierre said in a prepared statement. “The NRA is pursuing reincorporating in a state that values the contributions of the NRA, celebrates our law-abiding members, and will join us as a partner in upholding constitutional freedom.”

    The NRA laid out a plan involving some restructuring, including declaring bankruptcy in Texas, though the organization said Friday it is at the strongest financial position in its history.

    “Chapter 11 proceedings are routinely utilized by businesses, nonprofits and organizations of all kinds to streamline legal and financial affairs,” the gun rights group said in announcing the move. 

    The NRA’s Texas-based lawyer, William A. Brewer III, described the plan.

    “Under this plan, the Association wisely seeks protection from New York officials who it believes have illegally weaponized their powers against the NRA and its members,” Brewer said.

    The Friday news release from the gun rights group tersely addressed the future of the organization’s headquarters in Fairfax.

    “The Association will analyze whether a move of its headquarters, now located in Fairfax, Virginia, is in the best interests of its members. In the meantime, the NRA’s general business operations will remain in Fairfax,” the organization stated.

    “The NRA has no immediate plans to move its headquarters, but we have formed a committee that is exploring all of our strategic options,” NRA First Vice President Charles Cotton said in a statement emailed to The Washington Post.

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