Major congratulations to Ajit Pai for winning the Charlton Heston Courage Under Fire Award. The award was presented to Pai — best known for his role in ending net neutrality despite popular demand — by the NRA during this week’s Conservative Political Action Conference. Pai was surprised with the award, attending the event believing that he would be giving a short speech. Instead, Carolyn Meadows, the NRA’s second vice-president presented him with an award. It consisted of a commemorative plaque and a gun. More specifically, Motherboard reports, “a Kentucky, hand-made long gun.”
“We cannot bring the award on stage, but being from the NRA your gift will be housed in our museum with a plaque to you,” Meadows said. “When you can receive it, we’ll give it to you. You’ll love it!” Meadows said the award, which isn’t granted every year, is only given to people who have“stood up under pressure with grace, and dignity, and principled discipline.” Pai reportedly received death threats for his role in repealing net neutrality, including several that led to him canceling an appearance at CES. Previous recipients include Mike Pence and Rush Limbaugh. Maybe they can all get together and do the Harlem Shake with their matching rifles. We all know how much Pai loves the Harlem Shake.
