Wayne LaPierre

Wayne LaPierre is an American gun rights activist who served as the Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 1991 to 2024. Born on November 8, 1949, in Schenectady, New York, LaPierre earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Siena College and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Boston College. He began his career with the NRA in 1978 as a state liaison and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the organization's chief executive in 1991 .Alamy+5+5+5+1Bookey+1NRA On the Record

Under LaPierre's leadership, the NRA became a powerful political force, advocating for the protection of the Second Amendment and opposing gun control legislation. He was known for his assertive rhetoric and frequent public appearances, particularly following mass shootings, where he emphasized the need for armed security in schools and criticized proposed gun control measures .Trích dẫn Quotlr+2TIME+2Politico+2

LaPierre's tenure was also marked by controversy. In 2020, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit alleging financial misconduct by LaPierre and other NRA executives. In 2024, LaPierre resigned from his position, and a judge barred him from serving in any role at the NRA or its affiliates for 10 years due to his involvement in financial mismanagement .Encyclopedia Britannica+6+6The New Yorker+6ABC News

One of LaPierre's most well-known quotes is:

“The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Rare Quote+6Bookey+6A-Z Quotes+6

This statement has been both widely cited by gun rights advocates and criticized by gun control proponents. It encapsulates LaPierre's belief in the necessity of armed citizens for self-defense and as a deterrent against crime.Bookey+1Encyclopedia Britannica+1