Oliver North, known for role in Iran-Contra scandal, to become NRA president

Oliver North, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel, will become the new president of the National Rifle Association, the organization announced Monday.

North was a prominent figure in the Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s and was convicted on three felony counts related to the illegal sale of weapons to Iran to benefit the right-wing rebel Contras group in Nicaragua. The convictions were later reversed, and the charges dismissed.

He has since become a Fox News commentator and author and is already on the board of the NRA. He will reportedly resign from his Fox News position immediately before taking over at the NRA. Current NRA President Pete Brownell will depart "within a few weeks," and North will step in; Brownell has chosen not to seek a second term as president.

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Wayne LaPierre, the NRA's CEO, called North a "legendary warrior for American freedom" and praised the "unflinching" attitude North has taken throughout his career.

"I am honored to have been selected by the NRA Board to soon serve as this great organization's president," said North. "I am eager to hit the ground running."