The longtime leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA) announced he was resigning Friday, saying he was stepping down for health reasons.

Wayne LaPierre made the announcement after the gun rights campaign group’s board approved the departure at a meeting Friday.

LaPierre, 74, said in a press release that he was making the announcement “with pride” in all the NRA had accomplished, but said health reasons were forcing him to step down.

“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,” he said in his announcement. “My passion for our cause burns as deeply as ever.”

LaPierre is one of four defendants in a corruption case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James scheduled to begin next week.

The suit alleges top officials at the NRA violated state and federal laws and diverted millions of dollars in funds from the organization for flights, travel, clothing and hotels.

The NRA had made a bid to end the probe by arguing it was politically motivated. That appeal was denied in a unanimous vote by a New York state appeals court.

As part of Friday’s announcement, the NRA said it was continuing its defense of that lawsuit and acknowledged LaPierre as one of the individuals involved. It also said that an internal “self-evaluation” recommended the termination of disgraced insiders and vendors who had abused the Assocation.

“I am proud of the NRA’s advocacy in New York and, through it all, determination to defend the Second Amendment,” LaPierre added. “I can assure you the NRA’s mission, programming, and fight for freedom have never been more secure.

“What makes the NRA unlike any other advocacy organization is the depth and experience of its professional team, the unwavering support of its members, and its fighting spirit,” he continued.

LaPierre will stay in the position of Chief Executive until Jan. 31.