Elon Musk awarded a swing-state resident a million-dollar check for signing his petition to protect freedom of speech and the right to bear arms at a rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday night.
Musk handed an over-sized million dollar check to John Dreher, who Musk said was randomly selected to receive the jaw-dropping sum.
“So, I have a surprise for you…” the billionaire teased the enraptured crowd shortly before calling Dreher up to the stage to receive his prize.
“We’re going to be awarding a million dollars randomly to people who have signed the petition every day from now until the election,” Musk vowed to thunderous applause from the crowd.
The SpaceX CEO had previously promised his super PAC, which he established to support former President Donald Trump this election cycle, would pay $100 to Pennsylvania voters who signed his petition.
“If you’re a registered Pennsylvania voter, you & whoever referred you will now get $100 for signing our petition in support of free speech & right to bear arms. Earn money for supporting something you already believe in! Offer valid until midnight on Monday,” Musk posted on X Thursday.
Musk purchased the social media site and took it private in 2022 for a reported $44 billion.
Since then the entrepreneur has been an outspoken advocate for free speech.
The electric car maker said he decided to dole out the million-dollar prize because the “legacy media” wouldn’t report on his petition.
“How do we get people to know about it? This news, I think, is gonna really fly!” he said before calling Dreher from the crowd.
Dreher grabbed the novelty check and ecstatically pumped his arms in the air as the crowd roared with enthusiasm.
“The only thing we ask for the million dollars is that you be a spokesperson for the petition,” the Tesla CEO said.
Dreher thanked Musk and congratulated him on his rocket catch.
“I’ve been following you for ten years… and have been a big fan of you ever since,” the lucky winner said.
