US billionaire Elon Musk Thursday (Oct 31) chose not to appear at a courtroom in Philadelphia over a case brought by District Attorney Larry Krasner that concerns his super PAC’s plan to award $1 million a day to voters in key battleground states. The judge, Angelo Foglietta, had earlier ordered all parties to “be present” at his civil courtroom at City Hall for a hearing.
However, earlier on Wednesday, Musk’s lawyers approached the US District Court in Philadelphia, a federal court, and filed a “motion of removal”. Simply put, Musk’s attorneys requested the matter be moved to their jurisdiction – and out of the local Court of Common Pleas. The federal court approved the request, leaving Judge Angelo Foglietta with no jurisdiction over the authority.
Meanwhile, attorneys for Krasner said they would contest the decision and demand the case be sent back to the state court.
“We will proceed to federal court and we will address the issues there and seek to have the matter remanded back to the state court. After all, this is a case that involves state law issues and I’ll leave it at that,” said attorney John Summers.
Musk, who has endorsed GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, has splurged tens of millions of dollars on America PAC, a super PAC formed this summer to support the Republican candidate.
The super PAC website states that at least 12 people have received $1 million awards.
“The Philadelphia District Attorney is charged with protecting 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,” Krasner said in a statement after the civil suit was announced.
It must be noted that the Justice Department had earlier warned the super PAC over Musk’s lottery scheme, saying it could be violating federal laws about literally paying voters.
(With inputs from agencies)