Election Controversy Erupts as DA Accuses Elon Musk’s PAC of Illegal Lottery
In a dramatic turn of events, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has taken aim at Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s political action committee, accusing them of running an illegal lottery by giving away $1 million to registered voters in Pennsylvania and other swing states before Election Day.
“Guilty Knowledge” Alleged
Krasner testified in court that Musk and his PAC are aware they are breaking the law, but are trying to cover their tracks. “They know what they’re doing is illegal, and they’re doing everything under the sun to clean it up,” he said. The DA described the promotion, which has awarded $16 million so far, as a “scam” and “grift.”
First Amendment Rights vs. Fraud
Under questioning, Krasner emphasized that there is no First Amendment right to commit crimes or fraud. He also revealed that he drives a Tesla and has had one since 2016, but insisted that his lawsuit is not politically motivated.
Defending the Lawsuit
Krasner’s lawsuit accuses Musk and his PAC of violating Pennsylvania consumer protection laws and lottery laws. The DA argued that the giveaway, which requires participants to sign a petition supporting the Constitution, is illegal.
PAC Treasurer Defends the Giveaway
Chris Gober, the former treasurer of America PAC, countered that the giveaway does not meet the elements of an illegal lottery because there is no prize to be won. Instead, he claimed that the PAC is setting up contractual obligations with individuals to serve as spokespeople.
DA Seizes on PAC Treasurer’s Testimony
However, Krasner’s lawyer, John Summers, pounced on Gober’s testimony, calling it a “flat-out admission of liability” in the lawsuit. The DA also testified that evidence from an ongoing criminal investigation indicates that the recipients were supposed to be randomly selected.
Developing News
This is a developing story, with more updates to come. Stay tuned for further developments in this high-stakes controversy.
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