The D.C. attorney general on Friday issued subpoenas to the National Rifle Association and its charitable foundation as part of an investigation into whether the group violated the District's rules for nonprofits.

The move marks the start of a second investigation into the embattled gun group. The New York attorney general began an investigation into the organization in late April as allegations of financial impropriety and self-dealing emerged amid a leadership crisis.

"We are seeking documents from these two nonprofits detailing, among other things, their financial records, payments to vendors, and payments to officers and directors," D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine said in a statement.

Under the District's Nonprofit Act, Racine's office – which represents the interests of the city and its residents – can bring court actions to dissolve nonprofit corporations that misuse funds or act contrary to their defined nonprofit purpose. The NRA Foundation is chartered in the District, and the NRA itself is registered as a nonprofit and does business there.

The NRA has been in turmoil after reports and leaked documents detailed questionable spending and financial arrangements. Central to the crisis is an ongoing legal dispute between the organization and its former long-time ad firm Ackerman McQueen.

Ongoing internal strife at the NRA bubbled into public view in late April, when the organization's now-ex President Oliver North tried and failed to oust Wayne LaPierre, the organization's top official. North had for months raised concerns about some of the group's spending, including that of LaPierre.

Major media outlets have also published reports detailing that the NRA has relied on cash infusions and other funds from its foundation, an action that could threaten the NRA's tax-exempt status if the money was not used for charitable purposes.

