WASHINGTON – Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D-NY) today sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray asking him to investigate whether the Chief Executive of the National Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre, attempted to bribe President Trump after it was reported that he met with the President and offered him some form of support in exchange for a commitment to oppose new gun control measures.

In the letter, the Members write:

Dear Director Wray,

We are writing with serious concerns regarding a September 27 meeting between President Trump and Wayne LaPierre, the Chief Executive and Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association. We respectfully request you investigate whether Mr. LaPierre attempted to bribe the President.

During the meeting, which was first reported by the New York Times, it is alleged that Mr. LaPierre and President Trump discussed gun control legislation and the potential for the N.R.A. to provide support to the President as he faces an impeachment inquiry in the House. The New York Times reported that the Mr. LaPierre offered such support if the President would “stop the games” with gun legislation and cease pursuing new gun control measures.

As former prosecutors, we are deeply troubled that Mr. LaPierre discussed with the President these two subjects in the same conversation. Depending on what exactly was said, it would either be massively inappropriate or an attempt at bribery, which is prohibited under 18 U.S.C. 201 (b). In executing its “top criminal investigative priority” of combatting public corruption, we believe the FBI has a duty to swiftly examine this potentially illegal behavior.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to hearing from you in a timely manner.

Sincerely,

Ted W. Lieu

Member of Congress

Kathleen M. Rice

Member of Congress

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