Report: FCC chair pulled out of trade show after death threats

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai decided not to attend the Consumer Electronics Show this week after receiving death threats, Recode reported Thursday.

An FCC spokesman declined to confirm the report, saying in an email to The Hill, “We do not comment on security measures or concerns.”

According to the news outlet, which cited two agency sources, the details on the threats are still unclear.

{mosads}It’s not the first threat the chairman has faced in recent months. As Pai was chairing an agency vote to overturn the Obama-era net neutrality rules last month, the meeting room was abruptly evacuated because of a bomb threat. Beyond the room, the target was not clear. But Pai and his family have faced harassment over the controversial decision to repeal the rule.

The Consumer Technology Association, which hosts the annual electronics show in Las Vegas, announced Pai’s cancellation on Wednesday, but did not provide details.

Pai, who has attended CES every year for the past five years, was slated to appear alongside Maureen Ohlhausen, the acting chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, for a panel discussion on Tuesday.

Three other FCC commissioners, including the two other Republican members, are still expected to attend.