Oliver North to be next president of NRA

Retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North, a central figure of the Iran-Contra scandal, will become the president of the National Rifle Association, the group announced Monday.

“This is the most exciting news for our members since Charlton Heston became President of our Association,” NRA executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre said in a statement.

“Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader. In these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our President,” he added.

North — a member of the NRA board, author and conservative political commentator — is retiring “effective immediately” from Fox News to replace the NRA’s current president, Pete Brownell, who is not seeking a second term.

North, 74, will assume his new position “within a few weeks,” LaPierre said.

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