N.R.A. President Oliver North Steps Down As New York Attorney General Letitia James Launches Investigation

Oliver North announced on Saturday that he would not serve a second term as the president of the National Rifle Association.

The announcement was made as the N.R.A. grapples with internal and external conflict. On Friday, the New York Attorney General Letitia James opened an investigation into the organization’s tax-exempt status.

James’ office sent letters instructing the N.R.A and affiliated entities, including its charitable foundation, to keep relevant financial records. Other N.R.A.-related businesses have also received subpoenas.

Both the attorney general’s office and a lawyer for the N.R.A. confirmed the investigation.

In a statement Saturday evening, the office of the attorney general said it had “launched an investigation related to the National Rifle Association.”

James has special jurisdiction over the N.R.A. because it was chartered in New York.

N.R.A.’s outside counsel, William A. Brewer III, said in a statement that the group will “fully cooperate with any inquiry into its finances.” In the past, Brewer has criticized James for threatening to investigate the N.R.A. before she was elected, stating that she was going on “a taxpayer-funded fishing expedition.”