On the eve of a legal battle in New York, Wayne LaPierre told board members Friday (Saturday AEDT) that he would step down as the longtime chief of the National Rifle Association.

LaPierre, 74, has led the organisation for more than three decades. But his resignation came as he faced his gravest challenge yet, a corruption trial in Manhattan amid a legal showdown with New York’s attorney general, Letitia James. Jury selection has already begun, and opening arguments were scheduled for early next week.