Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brandon L. Scott, age 40, to 22 months in prison for making a bomb threat onboard a flight to Seattle. Judge Rice also imposed three years of supervised release and $79,449.47 in restitution to Alaska Airlines and the Spokane International Airport.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on July 5, 2023, Scott was a passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight from Atlanta to Seattle. During the flight, Scott handed a flight attendant a note that said in part:
“There is a bomb on the plane. This is not a joke. Several pounds of homemade explosives are in my carry-on bag. I have a detonator with me. Handle this matter carefully and exactly how I say; otherwise I will detonate the explosives and kill everyone on board. You are to alert the pilot to this note and keep the issue to yourself. Many innocent lives are in your hands; do as I demand and everyone will live. Deviate and the consequences will be deadly for all of us. I have nothing left to lose.”
The note included instructions to reroute the plane from its destination in Seattle and land at another airport. The flight attendant alerted the captain and co-pilot to the threat who then alerted Air Traffic Control. Air Traffic Control diverted the flight to Spokane International Airport, where a ground stop was placed on all aircraft, resulting in significant delays for other departing and arriving aircraft and passengers.
The plane landed at Spokane International Airport where Scott was taken into custody after admitting what he had done; no explosive materials or devices were found on board.
“Threatening the safety of a commercial flight is a serious federal crime that puts lives at risk, disrupts national air travel, and drains emergency resources,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Mr. Scott’s actions caused widespread disruption and alarm, underscoring our commitment to protecting passenger safety.”
“The threat made by Mr. Scott ended up being a hoax but had real-life consequences,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office.“Fortunately his actions did not result in anyone being hurt," he added while commending "the professional manner" of handling by crew members involved during potentially dangerous circumstances."
This case was investigated by FBI agents while Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L Tornabene alongside Patrick J Cashman prosecuted it accordingly.
