Oliver North, a defendant in the Iran-Contra case, elected as President of the National Rifle Association

On Monday, May 6, the National Rifle Association (NRA) of America introduced Oliver North, a former official of Ronald Reagan's administration and a defendant in the Iran-Contra affair, as its new president. Mr. North, a retired U.S. Navy Colonel, has been active as a conservative analyst and expert for several years and is primarily known as a key figure in the Iran-Contra scandal. He was one of the White House officials during Ronald Reagan's presidency who was tried and convicted in the 1980s for selling arms to Iran to finance Nicaraguan rebels. The NRA, one of the most powerful lobbies in America, officially announced Mr. North as its new president on Monday. This is the first time since the presidency of Charlton Heston, the famous Hollywood actor, that another well-known individual has been chosen to lead this organization. Oliver North, 74, is currently a member of the NRA's board of directors. According to Reuters, the NRA described Mr. North in its statement as a 'legendary warrior for American freedom... and a seasoned leader.' Wayne LaPierre, the NRA's executive director, also stated in this announcement: 'In this time, I know no one better than him [Oliver North] to lead.' Media outlets have interpreted Mr. LaPierre's phrase 'in this time' as a reference to the widespread protests that have erupted, particularly in recent months, against the rampant sale of firearms in America. The NRA is one of the most powerful gun lobbies in the U.S. and traditionally opposes any laws that would negatively impact gun sales in America. Following the Sandy Hook school shooting during Barack Obama's presidency, which left 24 dead, including several children under ten, Mr. LaPierre called for increased gun sales and the use of armed guards in schools. However, following a shooting that occurred last February in a school in Florida, which left 17 dead, widespread protests have emerged, putting the NRA under scrutiny. Thousands of American students left their classrooms across the United States on Wednesday, March 14, to protest gun violence in schools and demanded changes to laws regarding gun sales and ownership. Hundreds of thousands also marched in dozens of cities in the U.S. and other countries in early April in support of stricter gun control laws in the United States.