Joshua Powell, who previously served as chief of staff for the National Rifle Association (NRA), distanced from the gun rights advocacy group as he expressed a multitude of concerns about the group’s leadership and alleged corruptive culture.
During an interview with ABC News Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas, Powell offered his take on the lawsuit that has been filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit, which cites “illegal conduct,” also seeks to dissolve the NRA.
According to Powell, James is “at the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to uncovering all that has transpired over the last three decades.
“I think the NRA faces a massive threat,” Powell said. “I think that the attorney general is really at the tip of the iceberg in understanding what’s gone on at the [NRA] for 30 years.”
Powell is one of the four NRA executives named in the lawsuit, and he is now distancing himself as the organization’s financial discrepancies come to light.
The lawsuit alleges that millions of dollars in charitable donations have been mismanaged and misappropriated. However, that is not Powell’s only qualm.
He also expressed concerns about the organization’s current perspective on the gun violence plaguing states across the country.
“Gun owners across America should be horrified by what I saw inside of the NRA,” Powell said.
Andrew Arulanandam, managing director of NRA Public Affairs, responded to Powell’s allegations against the organization, and claimed that his account is “fictional.”
“This is a fictional account of the NRA, period,” Arulanandam said. “Mr. Powell was effusive in his praise of NRA leadership and the Association’s mission – right up until the day he was fired. He has now reversed course on every position he ever took during his time with the NRA.”
Arulanandam reiterated the reason why Powell was terminated as he alluded to the questionable timing of his book release.
He continued, “The facts are, Mr. Powell was promptly relieved of his duties in fall 2018 and, thereafter, terminated in January of this year for misappropriation of funds. Those facts tell you all you need to know about the timing of the book and Mr. Powell’s motivations.”
