NEW YORK — The New York lawyer common’s lawsuit towards the Nationwide Rifle Affiliation is not any mere “witch hunt,” a New York choose dominated Friday in dismissing the gun rights advocacy group’s claims that the case is a political vendetta.
Manhattan Choose Joel M. Cohen’s choice means the practically 2-year-long authorized combat can proceed.
It started when James, a Democrat, filed a lawsuit that accused some high NRA executives of economic improprieties and sought to dissolve the group. The lawyer common’s job consists of oversight of nonprofit organizations included within the New York, the place the NRA was chartered in 1871.
In March, Cohen rebuffed James’ bid to shutter the NRA. However the choose let the case go on, with the potential for fines or different cures if the lawyer common prevails.
The NRA accused James in a court docket submitting final yr of waging “a blatant and malicious retaliation marketing campaign” due to its views. The group sought to halt the lawsuit.
Cohen rejected these arguments.
“The narrative that the lawyer common’s investigation into these undeniably severe issues was nothing greater than a politically motivated — and unconstitutional — witch hunt is just not supported by the report,” he wrote, noting that the probe was sparked by stories of misconduct and “uncovered further proof.”
James applauded the choice, saying it confirms the swimsuit’s “legitimacy and viability.”
“Our combat for transparency and accountability will proceed,” she stated in an announcement.
NRA lawyer William A. Brewer III stated the group was dissatisfied however would maintain preventing the case and nonetheless believes it was unfairly focused.
“The NRA believes the NYAG’s pursuit was fueled by her opposition to the affiliation and its First Modification actions in assist of the Second Modification,” he stated in an announcement, utilizing an abbreviation for the lawyer common’s title.