Overview of the Lawsuit

On August 6, 2019, a civil class action lawsuit was initiated by David Dell’Aquila alongside other plaintiffs against Wayne LaPierre, the NRA Foundation, and the Brewer law firm. The lawsuit alleges fraud connected to the solicitation of donations intended for specific purposes, which were allegedly diverted for personal use by LaPierre and others.

Key Allegations

The lawsuit has evolved over the past five years with the current defendants now including only the NRA and LaPierre. The NRA Foundation’s advertising agency, Ackerman McQueen, has also been implicated in fraudulent activities. The plaintiffs represent individuals who donated to the NRA from 2015 onward and claim that LaPierre masterminded a fraudulent scheme encompassing several questionable financial practices:

• High-cost Private Flights: LaPierre approved private air travel for his family, incurring costs exceeding one million dollars, without authorization from the NRA board or connection to the organization’s operational needs.
• Extravagant Gifts: LaPierre and his family enjoyed numerous luxury trips to the Bahamas and Europe funded by a NRA contractor, MMP Entities, with LaPierre failing to disclose these gifts. An expert report revealed that LaPierre authorized approximately $100 million to be paid to MMP in return for personal benefits.
• Reimbursement of Personal Expenses: The NRA allegedly reimbursed LaPierre over $1.2 million covering personal expenses, such as Christmas gifts, family travel, and even membership fees for a golf club. Additional millions were reportedly spent on LaPierre’s personal security, including high-end acquisitions like an armored vehicle.

Judicial Ruling and Implications

On March 26, 2025, Chief Judge William L. Campbell, Jr. ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, allowing the case to proceed after five and a half years of legal challenges. The court determined that the third amended complaint holds legal validity, denying the defendants’ motion to dismiss the case. The judge acknowledged the plaintiffs had sufficiently presented a claim under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), detailing a longstanding arrangement where the NRA allegedly solicited funds under false pretenses:

“Plaintiffs have sufficiently alleged a RICO claim… that the NRA solicited funds through the [NRA Foundation] under false pretenses, transferred those funds to the NRA, and laundered them through Ackerman [McQueen] to support Mr. LaPierre’s extravagance.”

Future of the Case

While this ruling signals a significant breakthrough for the plaintiffs, it does not ascertain victory in the case. A lengthy legal process still lies ahead, including the potential for settlement discussions. The stakes are high, with substantial allegations of fraud involving millions of dollars at the center of this case.

This lawsuit, distinct from ongoing legal battles the NRA faces in New York, aims to seek restitution for those who feel defrauded from their donations, emphasizing a RICO claim, as cited in the judicial opinion.

As the case develops, the defendants may pursue various strategies, including potential appeals. The dynamics of the case could evolve based on the financial implications of continuing legal costs versus a possible settlement.

A jury trial has been requested by the plaintiffs. The timeline for further proceedings remains uncertain.