‘Will Continue to Fight on all Fronts’ – Personal Defense World

The NRA issued a formal response to yesterday’s disappointing dismissal of its bankruptcy case in Texas. A press release stated the association “will continue to fight on all fronts in the interests of its mission and its members.” The NRA bankruptcy response mirrors much of what the gun group has put out publicly for more than a year of constant attacks and negative publicity: an unyielding fight to maintain the status quo.

NRA Bankruptcy Response

The decision comes after a 12-day hearing where NRA attempted to show the organization adopted new policies and accounting controls. The NRA stated it displaced many “insiders” that allegedly abused the association. But Wayne LaPierre, the NRA’s executive vice president, remains seemingly firmly in control.

“The NRA remains committed to its members and our plan for the future,” LaPierre said in a statement. “Although we are disappointed in some aspects of the decision, there is no change in the overall direction of our Association, its programs, or its Second Amendment advocacy. Today is ultimately about our members – those who stand courageously with the NRA in defense of constitutional freedom. We remain an independent organization that can chart its own course, even as we remain in New York to confront our adversaries. The NRA will keep fighting, as we’ve done for 150 years.” 

In the end, the effort fell short, and Judge Hale pointed out NRA’s failings. But the NRA found a glimmer of hope in the judge’s ruling.

“In short, the testimony…suggests that the NRA now understands the importance of compliance,” Hale wrote. “Outside of bankruptcy, the NRA can pay its creditors, continue to fulfill its mission, continue to improve its governance and internal controls, contest dissolution in the NYAG Enforcement Action, and pursue the legal steps necessary to leave New York.”

Escape From New York

So the decision brings us back New York. There NRA will face state attorney general Leticia James and a biased attempt to push an anti-gun initiative into the courtroom. But the bankruptcy case revealed many more problems within NRA that even some critics imagined. The findings give James more ammo to take down what she calls a “criminal enterprise” and “terrorist organization.”

“The NRA will continue to defend the interests of the Association in New York,” said William A. Brewer III, counsel to the NRA, in a statement. “Our client has faith in its leadership, and its demonstrated commitment to good governance.” 

“The record reflects the NRA undertook a ‘course correction’ with respect to its management,” echoed NRA President Carolyn Meadows. “The Association is strong and secure – once again moving forward above the objections of its adversaries and those who oppose Second Amendment freedoms.”

The high-profile NRA case captured media attention across the country. Ultimately, it cast the organization in an incredibly negative light on a national stage. Heading back to New York courtrooms, the scrutiny will only intensify. The NRA seems steadfast in its staunch stance to stand and fight. But with no real leadership change as of yet, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel NRA keeps claiming to follow.