(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre announces resignation days before civil trial scrutinizing his leadership.

“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.”

The NRA said that LaPierre cited health reasons as a reason for his decision and that it continues its defense of a lawsuit by the New York Attorney General, and LaPierre is an individual defendant in that case.

Long-time NRA executive and Head of General Operations Andre Arulanandam will become the interim CEO & EVP of the NRA. LaPierre’s resingation is effective January 31.

Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram