Katie Couric Instagram – 🚨 Wayne LaPierre resigned as leader of the National Rifle Association on Friday, ending his decades-long reign over the prominent gun rights group, days before the start of his civil trial in New York. LaPierre and three other current and former @nra leaders are facing a lawsuit that alleges they violated nonprofit laws and misused NRA funds to finance their lavish lifestyles. The civil trial in Manhattan is expected to begin Monday and will last for six weeks. In announcing his departure, LaPierre, the organization’s executive vice president, said he has been a “card-carrying member” of the NRA for most of his adult life and that he would “never stop supporting the NRA and its fight to defend Second Amendment freedom.” “My passion for our cause burns as deeply as ever,” LaPierre said in a statement. Fox News Digital, which first reported the resignation, said the 74-year-old cited health reasons for his exit, which will take effect Jan. 31. He has led the NRA for more than 30 years.