The president of the National Rifle Association in the US says he will step down, and that he's being forced out due to his allegations that NRA leaders engaged in financial improprieties.
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Retired US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North said he had hoped to stand for re-election when his term ends on Monday.
"I am now informed that will not happen," North said a letter read to the NRA's annual meeting in Indianapolis by a board member on Saturday.
His departure came after NRA chief executive Wayne LaPierre accused North of trying to oust him by threatening to release "damaging" information about him, according to a letter from LaPierre to NRA board members that was published by the Wall Street Journal on Friday.
NRA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
North, 75, who was named by the NRA as its president in May 2018, was a pivotal figure in the Iran-Contra affair involving secret sales of arms to Iran by Republican President Ronald Reagan's administration and the unlawful diversion of the proceeds to Nicaraguan rebels.
The NRA, with more than 5 million members, is by far the most powerful and well-connected gun lobby in the US.
It has worked closely with legislators to protect firearms manufacturers from liability for gun violence and pushed a ban on US health officials from promoting gun control.
Australian Associated Press
