History of Wayne LaPierre in Timeline

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Wayne LaPierre

Wayne LaPierre Jr. is a prominent figure in the American gun rights movement. He served as the CEO and executive vice president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 1991 to 2024, making him a powerful voice in shaping the organization's lobbying efforts and public image for over three decades.

November 8, 1949: Wayne LaPierre Jr. is born

Wayne Robert LaPierre Jr. was born on November 8, 1949.

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1977: Wayne LaPierre Jr. joins the NRA

Wayne LaPierre Jr. joined the NRA in 1977 after working for Virginia delegate and gun rights advocate Vic Thomas.

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1981: Congressman John David Dingell Jr. coins the term "jack-booted government thugs"

The term "jack-booted government thugs," used by Wayne LaPierre Jr. in 1995, was first used in 1981 by U.S. Representative John David Dingell Jr. to describe ATF agents.

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1991: Wayne LaPierre Jr. becomes CEO and executive vice president of the NRA

In 1991, Wayne LaPierre Jr. became the CEO and executive vice president of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA).

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1995: LaPierre sparks controversy by referring to federal agents as "jack-booted government thugs"

In 1995, Wayne LaPierre Jr. ignited controversy by referring to federal agents as "jack-booted government thugs" in a fundraising letter, prompting criticism and ultimately an apology from LaPierre.

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1998: Wayne LaPierre Jr. marries Susan Znidorka

Wayne LaPierre Jr. married Susan Znidorka in 1998, following his divorce from his first wife.

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2000: LaPierre accuses President Bill Clinton of exploiting violence for gun control

In 2000, Wayne LaPierre Jr. accused President Bill Clinton of tolerating violence to promote gun control, a statement that was met with strong criticism from the White House.

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2004: LaPierre actively campaigns against John Kerry in the presidential election

Wayne LaPierre Jr. actively campaigned against John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election due to Kerry's stance on gun control.

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December 14, 2012: LaPierre advocates for armed security at schools following Sandy Hook shooting

Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012, Wayne LaPierre Jr. advocated for armed security personnel in schools, stating that "the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a good guy with a gun."

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2013: LaPierre participates in an elephant hunt in Botswana

In 2013 Wayne LaPierre Jr. went on a hunting trip to Botswana, where he shot and killed an elephant.

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2014: NRA contributions and LaPierre's compensation

In 2014, the NRA received $103 million in contributions, and Wayne LaPierre Jr. received $985,885 in compensation.

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2015: NRA contributions, LaPierre's compensation, and deferred compensation distribution

In 2015, the NRA received $95 million in contributions. Wayne LaPierre Jr.'s compensation totaled $5,110,985, which included a $3.7 million deferred compensation distribution.

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February 14, 2018: LaPierre criticizes gun control advocates following Parkland shooting

Following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on February 14, 2018, Wayne LaPierre Jr. criticized the FBI, media, and gun control advocates, facing criticism for his remarks.

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August 6, 2020: New York Attorney General files lawsuit against the NRA and Wayne LaPierre Jr.

On August 6, 2020, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the NRA and Wayne LaPierre Jr., alleging fraud, financial misconduct, and misuse of funds, leading to scrutiny of LaPierre's compensation and corporate spending.

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April 27, 2021: Video of LaPierre shooting an elephant sparks criticism

A video of Wayne LaPierre Jr. shooting an elephant on a 2013 hunting trip surfaced on April 27, 2021, leading to widespread criticism from conservation groups.

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March 2022: New York Supreme Court allows lawsuit against LaPierre and the NRA to proceed

In March 2022, the New York Supreme Court rejected the request to dissolve the NRA but permitted the lawsuit against LaPierre and the organization to move forward.

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January 5, 2024: Wayne LaPierre Jr. announces resignation from the NRA

On January 5, 2024, the NRA announced Wayne LaPierre Jr.'s resignation, effective January 31, amidst allegations of corruption and an impending civil trial.

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February 23, 2024: Jury orders LaPierre to repay misspent funds to the NRA

A civil trial concluded on February 23, 2024, with the jury finding that Wayne LaPierre Jr. misspent funds and ordering him to repay $4,351,231 to the NRA, also finding the NRA in violation of New York law.

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2024: Wayne LaPierre Jr.'s tenure as CEO and executive vice president of the NRA ends

Wayne LaPierre Jr.'s time as CEO and executive vice president of the NRA concluded in 2024.

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