Wayne LaPierre, the longtime chief executive officer of the National Rifle Association, has announced his resignation. His announcement came three days before the start of a civil trial against him brought by the attorney general of the state of New York.

“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.”

LaPierre, 74, cited health as his reason for retiring. His departure date is Jan. 31.

LaPierre and three other current and former NRA leaders face a lawsuit by Attorney General Letitia James that claims they violated nonprofit laws and misused millions of dollars from the organization to underwrite trips and various luxuries. The civil trial begins Monday in Manhattan and has been scheduled for six weeks.