The National Rifle Association’s second-in-command Chris Cox has reportedly resigned after a lawsuit alleged he was part of former NRA President Oliver North’s effort to oust chief executive Wayne LaPierre.
Cox resigned from the powerful gun rights organization Wednesday, just days after details of the lawsuit were brought to light, according to a reporter for the New York Times.
The lawsuit, filed last week, alleges that text messages and emails found that “another errant NRA fiduciary, Chris Cox — once thought by some to be a likely successor for Mr. LaPierre — participated” in what the gun-advocacy group described as a conspiracy.
The 49-year-old Cox has worked with the NRA since 1995 and has led its lobbying efforts since 2002. He is a well-known figure within the 5-million-member association. Cox had previously denied the allegations.
“The allegations against me are offensive and patently false. For over 24 years I have been a loyal and effective leader in this organization,” Cox said. “My efforts have always been focused on serving the members of the National Rifle Association, and I will continue to focus all of my energy on carrying out our core mission of defending the Second Amendment.”
LaPierre, who has served as CEO since 1991, accused North in April of threatening to blackmail him.
