FCC Chairman Pai’s Response to FCC Security Guard Inquiry
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai noted that the FCC was on high security alert at its May meeting following a number of death threats that were made toward some of its members, as part of a letter responding to an inquiry made by Sens. Tom Udall (D-NM) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) about the alleged ‘manhandling’ of CQ Roll Call reporter John Donnelly.
“When Commissioner O’Rielly passed by, [a] security officer stepped back and backed into Mr. Donnelly. This physical contact was inadvertent,” Chairman Pai writes. “Nevertheless, it should not have occurred, the Commission has apologized for it, and as noted herein, we are taking corrective action.” He also said that security guards at the FCC have been instructed not to physically engage anyone at an open meeting “unless they are purposefully disrupting the meeting or they pose a threat to the safety of FCC employees.” “It is understandable that security was high at the FCC hearing on May 18. But I'm extremely concerned that the FCC security wasn't able to better balance the need to ensure access and safety,” writes Sen Udall, in response to the letter, adding that he remains broadly concerned about a pattern of hostility toward journalists which he has observed from the Trump Administration.