SPOKANE, WA — A man who made a bomb threat aboard a commercial flight from Atlanta to Seattle has been sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
On May 22, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced 40-year-old Brandon L. Scott to 22 months in federal prison for making a false bomb threat. Scott will also serve three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $79,449.47 in restitution to Alaska Airlines and Spokane International Airport.
The charges stem from a July 5, 2023, incident in which Scott, a passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight, handed a flight attendant a note claiming he had explosives in his carry-on bag and a detonator. The note demanded the plane be rerouted and warned of deadly consequences if instructions were not followed.
The flight crew notified the pilots, who then alerted Air Traffic Control. The plane was diverted and landed safely at Spokane International Airport, where Scott was taken into custody. No explosives were found on board.
The bomb threat triggered a ground stop at the airport, causing delays for multiple flights and passengers.
“This case underscores our commitment to protecting the safety of passengers and airline personnel,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Mr. Scott’s actions caused widespread disruption and alarm.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington stated that while the threat turned out to be a hoax, the consequences were serious. “I am grateful that the flight landed without incident and applaud the flight crew for their professionalism,” he said.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Patrick J. Cashman.