January 9, 2024 – Trial proceedings for the New York Attorney General's (NYAG) case against the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) began this week in New York. As reported, in opening arguments for the NRA, Brewer partner Sarah B. Rogers told jurors that the NRA is a victim in the civil fraud lawsuit.
“This is an unusual lawsuit,” Rogers said. “Any damages you award in this case will be paid to the NRA. The government acknowledges that my client is the victim.”
NYAG Letitia James filed suit against the NRA, former CEO and Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, former CFO Wilson Phillips, and General Counsel John Frazer in August 2020, "alleging the improper use of tens of millions of dollars of charitable funds and breach of fiduciary duty," the New York Law Journal (NYLJ) reported. Former NRA Chief of Staff Josh Powell reached a settlement with the NYAG's office prior to trial.
As noted in media reports, Rogers said there was no question that some individuals, some executives, an ad agency, a travel agent "betrayed" the nonprofit’s mission. But, she said, “The only question is why the NRA, the victim...is a defendant in this case."
Rogers noted that Mr. LaPierre has been a valuable and visionary leader for the NRA and its mission.
The NYLJ reported that Rogers personally requested to deliver the NRA's opening statement, as someone who grew up in New York City and considered the need for a gun only after being attacked by two men.
"The decision to own a firearm does not just belong to the king, or the militia, or the cops. In America, it's yours," Rogers said.
Trial is expected to last six weeks.
To read more about the NRA's opening arguments, click the following links: