LaPierre, Wayne R., 1949-

Wayne Robert LaPierre Jr. (born November 8, 1949) is an American gun rights lobbyist who was the CEO and executive vice president of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), a position he held between 1991 and 2024. LaPierre has faced scrutiny over his career for what were perceived as controversial statements. In 1995, his criticism of federal agents after the Ruby Ridge and Waco incidents led to former President George H. W. Bush resigning his NRA membership. He criticized former President Bill Clinton’s approach to gun control measures and advocated for armed officers to be placed in schools after the Sandy Hook and Stoneman Douglas school shootings. LaPierre has advocated for increased funding for mental health programs and stricter punishment for gun related offenses. In addition, he supported restrictions on “bump-fire”-type rifle stocks after the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. On January 5, 2024, the NRA posted on X that LaPierre would resign from his position on January 31. The announcement came amid allegations of corruption and ahead of a civil trial in Manhattan.