New York attorney general intensifies investigation into the NRA

Image: New York State Attorney General Letitia James holds a press conferen
New York State Attorney General Letitia James holds a press conference in New York on March 28, 2019. Copyright Timothy A. Clary AFP - Getty Images
By Allan Smith with NBC News Politics
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a new, wide-ranging subpoena in the probe, a person familiar with the document told NBC News.

ADVERTISEMENT

The New York attorney general's office is intensifying its investigation into the National Rifle Association, recently issuing a new, wide-ranging subpoena to the gun-rights organization that offers hints at where the high-profile probe is moving, a person familiar with the document told NBC News.

The deepening of the investigation was first reported by The New York Times.

The subpoena, which The Times reported was issued last week, the covers areas such as campaign finance, payments made to board members and tax compliance. It seeks documents related to money transfers between NRA-controlled entities, internal communications about the organization's Federal Election Commission filings and its work with consulting firms Starboard Strategic and OnMessage, as well as records related to the group's Internal Revenue Service filings, hiring decisions and payments to high-level officials.

The NRA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News. New York Attorney General Letitia James' office declined to comment.

An FEC complaint filed by the gun-control group Giffords alleged that the NRA was making payments to Starboard as a way to circumvent the law and funnel unallowable amounts of money to GOP candidates advised by OnMessage. Meanwhile, The Times reported, the NRA Foundation, the organization's affiliated charity, transferred more than$200 million to the NRA between 2000 and 2017.

In August, The Times reported that James' office had issued a subpoena for documents from more than 90 current and former members of the NRA board.

The New York attorney general has investigatory authority over the not-for-profit organization as it is chartered in New York. James, a Democrat, opened her investigation in April amid media reports of internal strife and infighting within the organization. After the NRA was made aware of the probe, the group's then-president, Oliver North, announced he would step down.

Prior to that, North sought to oust the NRA's longtime chief executive, Wayne LaPierre, and said in a letter that was read at the group's annual convention that the organization had "a clear crisis" on its hands that needed to be dealt with "immediately and responsibly." North had formed a committee to investigate any financial improprieties in the organization. LaPierre later accused North of trying to extort him.

At the time, President Donald Trump tweeted that the NRA needed to "get its act together" because it was "under siege."

In July, the president criticized James for investigating the pro-gun group.

"People are fleeing New York like never before," Trump tweeted. "If they own a business, they are twice as likely to flee. And if they are a victim of harassment by the A.G. of the state, like what they are doing to our great NRA, which I think will move quickly to Texas, where they are loved."

"Texas will defend them & indemnify them against political harassment by New York State and Governor Cuomo," Trump continued. "So many people are leaving New York for Texas and Florida that it is totally under siege. First New York taxes you too high, then they sue you, just to complete the job."

"As the elected AG of NY, I have a sworn duty to protect & uphold state law," James tweeted in response. "My office will follow the facts of any case, wherever they lead."

Share this articleComments

You might also like

NRA declares bankruptcy and plans to incorporate in Texas

New York attorney general seeks to dissolve NRA