The NRA under fire. The powerful pro-gun lobby of the United States is prosecuted for financial fraud by the State of New York. Attorney General Letitia James has for nearly 18 months investigated the powerful Conservative group and its decision to open a dissolving trial, "after years of personal dealings and illegal conduct that violated New York laws ", was like a bomb in Washington.
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The five leaders are accused of massive fraud and major embezzlement. Concretely, they drew heavily on the cash to lead a luxurious lifestyle: eight trips to the Bahamas in a private jet for one of the presidents Wayne LaPierre, and his family, countless safaris in Africa for the vice-president, of the gallant evenings in luxury hotels for the only accountant hired in 28 years.
Embezzlement confirmed by the tax authorities
In total, that's a hole of $ 63 million in the accounts of the powerful lobby-pro arms. An amount that is added to the deficit already widened by the defection of sponsors after the multiple killings in American schools.
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The accusations have been transmitted and verified by the American tax authorities, which confirms the embezzlement. However, the NRA, founded in 1847, cried scandal and denounced a political campaign orchestrated three months before the presidential election. "We are ready to fight. We are waiting for you," Wayne LaPierre reacted in a statement sent to AFP. "The NRA is well run, financially solvent, and committed to maintaining good governance," he added, calling the complaint "an attack on democracy and freedom."
An announcement that sounds like a blow to Donald Trump, financially supported by the lobby. In 2016, the billionaire received nearly $ 35 million from this organization for his campaign. Asked about the complaint Thursday, the US president said it was a "terrible thing".