NRA chief Wayne LaPierre resigns days before civil corruption trial

Wayne LaPierre, the executive vice president of the NRA, has announced he is resigning from the organization days before the start of a civil corruption trial.

Wayne LaPierre, the executive vice president of the National Rifle Association, has announced he is resigning from the organization days before the start of a civil corruption trial.

LaPierre cited health reasons, according to the NRA. The resignation will be effective Jan. 31.

"With pride in all that we have accomplished, I am announcing my resignation from the NRA," LaPierre said in a statement. "I've been a card-carrying member of this organization for most of my adult life, and I will never stop supporting the NRA and its fight to defend Second Amendment freedom. My passion for our cause burns as deeply as ever."

NRA President Charles Cotton said he had accepted LaPierre's resignation during a board meeting on Friday.

The civil trial, slated to start Monday, will still go forward.