Recap of NRA Chief lapierre's testimony in bankruptcy trial

On the third day of the National Rifle Association’s closely watched bankruptcy trial, the star witness took the virtual witness stand. Wayne LaPierre, the gun rights group’s CEO and executive vice president, has faced questions about claims by New York regulators that he used donor money as his personal “piggy bank” for globe-trotting safaris, yachting excursions and a “glam squad” for his wife.

In her first day of questioning, LaPierre conceded that he did not inform several senior NRA officials that he would file his bankruptcy petition before he did so, including a board member who would have been his successor. LaPierre also testified that he did not inform board members about the establishment of a company Sea Girt, LLC, which he formed in Texas for the purpose of filing for bankruptcy here. Described by regulators as a “shell company,” Sea Girt had assets exceeding its debts at the time.

LaPierre’s prior depositions and allegations in the New York lawsuit make the NRA chief’s ongoing testimony highly anticipated.

In a bombshell lawsuit last year, New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) accused LaPierre of inserting a “poison pill contract” to consolidate his power within the NRA and guarantee himself an income for life worth more than $17 million. LaPierre allegedly used the non-profit’s money for luxury travel, an excursion on a 108-foot yacht called Illusions, and all-expense-paid safaris around the world. The NRA justified filing for bankruptcy in Texas as an effort to avoid their court-ordered annihilation, but the trial there has spilled more of the organization’s secrets.