Elon Musk Fails to Appear at Philadelphia Hearing Regarding Super PAC’s $1 Million Voter Lottery

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and billionaire owner of X, did not appear in a Philadelphia courtroom on Thursday despite a judge’s order requiring “all parties must be present.” This absence comes amid a lawsuit filed by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, targeting Musk’s super PAC, which plans to distribute $1 million daily to voters in key battleground states during the 2024 election.

The courtroom session, presided over by Judge Angelo Foglietta, included Krasner, his office’s attorneys, and Musk’s legal team. The hearing commenced at 10 a.m. ET, but Musk’s absence raised eyebrows among those in attendance.

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Musk’s attorneys requested late Wednesday that the case be moved from the local Court of Common Pleas to the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia. A judge granted this transfer, prompting a shift in the legal proceedings. Sources indicate that a federal judge is unlikely to take on the case on Thursday afternoon.

Krasner’s attorneys expressed their intention to contest the jurisdictional change, with attorney John Summers stating, “We will proceed to federal court, address the issues there, and seek to have the matter remanded back to the state court. After all, this case involves state law issues, and I’ll leave it at that.”

Musk ordered to attend court hearing over $1 million voter giveaway at 10AM this morning.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner did not answer questions. @CBSPhiladelphia @CBSNews https://t.co/ndRiaclqHm pic.twitter.com/63GARZ9lOO

— Josh Sanders CBS Philadelphia (@JoshSandersX) October 31, 2024

Musk has been a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump and has contributed tens of millions of dollars to America PAC, a super PAC established earlier this summer to back Republican candidates. The super PAC’s lottery award is given to individuals who sign a petition supporting free speech and the right to bear arms.

According to the PAC’s website, at least 12 people have already received $1 million in awards, including four recipients from Pennsylvania.

In a statement regarding the civil suit, Krasner emphasised the District Attorney’s role in safeguarding the public from public nuisances and unfair trade practices, including illegal lotteries. “The DA is also charged with protecting the public from interference with the integrity of elections,” he added.

This lawsuit follows a letter from the Justice Department to the super PAC warning that it may be violating federal laws related to voter compensation. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how Musk’s legal team will respond to the challenges ahead.