Ajit Pai death threats have forced the FEC head to stay away from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month, tech website Recode reported, citing two sources.
Critics have complained about the Federal Communications Commission's vote last month to repeal net neutrality rules set during the Obama administration that treated the internet like a public utility, Recode noted, and Pai has charged that he and his family have been attacked and threatened since the vote.
The sources told Recode that federal law enforcement became involved in checking out the threats against Pai. The FBI did not respond to comment request for and the Consumer Technology Association, which puts on the show, declined to talk, Recode said.
CTA president and chief executive Gary Shapiro told Digital Trends that Pai did not elaborate on his cancellation but speculated that security could have been part of the reason.
"I attended his recent Media Institute speech and was moved greatly," Shapiro told Digital Trends. "He and his family have been subject to vicious and direct attacks and threats and any decision he makes regarding his own travel is fine with me. I may not agree with him on every issue, but he is a brilliant and committed public servant."
The Washington Examiner reported it was the second time in weeks that Pai had to deal with personal security issues. The FCC briefly stopped its December meeting and evacuated the room because of a security scare as they were about to vote on net neutrality rules.
That meeting was restarted within minutes and the vote proceeded as scheduled, the Examiner said.
Recode reported that Pai's fellow FCC commissioners – Democrats Mignon Clyburn and Republican Commissioners Michael O'Rielly and Brendan Carr – plan to attend the Las Vegas-based show.
Maureen Ohlhausen, the acting head of the Federal Trade Commission who was expected appear with Pai at the CES, also plans to attend, Recode reported.
The show will host media days Sunday and Monday before open to the public Tuesday through Jan. 12, according to its website.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.