In the latest sign that the dam is breaking at NRA headquarters, NRA board member and former Florida Republican Congressman Lt. Col. Allen West released a statement today calling for NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre to resign his position at the NRA. West’s statement comes just days after a tranche of NRA internal financial documents were posted online anonymously, throwing the organization into further turmoil.

West’s statement makes a number of stunning claims, including:

1. West said that newly elected NRA President Carolyn Meadows lied to media outlets by claiming the NRA board was aware of revelations reported by the Wall Street Journal, including that LaPierre expensed tens of thousands of dollars worth of designer clothing from a Beverly Hills boutique (part of nearly $275,000 in clothing that LaPierre charged to Ackerman McQueen between 2004 and 2017).
2. West said such statements by Meadows and NRA Audit Committee Chair Charles Cotton “have maliciously, recklessly and purposefully put me, and uninformed Board members, in legal jeopardy.”
3. He said, “There is a cabal of cronyism operating within the NRA and that exists within the Board of Directors.”

All NRA board members should go on record as to whether they were aware of LaPierre’s lavish spending of NRA member dues through Ackerman McQueen, or other instances of financial mismanagement and questionable financial transactions, and whether or not they agree with West’s call for LaPierre’s ouster.

West’s complete statement is below:

It has become very apparent that I need to speak out about what is happening at the National Rifle Association.

I am in my second term as a Board member, and I am deeply concerned about the actions and statements being made. The recent statements by Charles Cotton and Carolyn Meadows that are appearing in the Wall Street Journal, and now other news outlets, are outright lies. I have never been told, advised, informed or consulted about any of these details mentioned in the WSJ, and who knows how much more despicable spending of members’ money.

These statements have maliciously, recklessly and purposefully put me, and uninformed Board members, in legal jeopardy.

Prior to the NRAAM in Indianapolis I sent an email to Wayne LaPierre’s managing director, Millie Hallow, expressing my sentiment that Wayne LaPierre resign immediately.

I also drafted a memo entitled “Resolution of Concerns,” both of these statements are known to the NRA Board. It is imperative that the NRA cleans its own house. If we had done so in Indianapolis, much of this could have been rectified.

I do not support Wayne LaPierre continuing as the EVP/CEO of the NRA. The vote in Indianapolis was by acclamation, not roll call vote. There is a cabal of cronyism operating within the NRA and that exists within the Board of Directors. It must cease, and I do not care if I draw their angst. My duty and responsibility is to the Members of the National Rifle Association, and my oath, since July 31, 1982, has been to the Constitution of the United States, not to any political party, person, or cabal.

The NRA Board of 76 is too large and needs to be reduced to 30 or less. We need term limits of four (4) terms on the Board. We need to focus the NRA, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization on its original charter, mission, training and education in marksmanship, shooting sports, and the defense of the Second Amendment.

I will dedicate all my efforts to the reformation of the National Rifle Association and its members, of whom I am proud to serve.

It sickens me to publicly make this statement, but I will not allow anyone to damage my honor, integrity, character, and reputation. Needless to say, there are those who have willingly done so to their own.

Steadfast and Loyal,

Lieutenant Colonel Allen B. West (US Army, Retired)
Member, 112th US Congress
Patriot Life Benefactor, Board Member, National Rifle Association