A federal judge has sentenced a Washington state man to 22 months in prison for a bomb threat that forced an Alaska Airlines flight to make an emergency landing in Spokane. Brandon L. Scott, 40, was convicted for making false and misleading statements about possessing explosives on a commercial flight traveling from Atlanta to Seattle on July 5, 2023. His actions caused a major disruption in air travel, instilled fear in passengers and crew, and triggered a full-scale emergency response at Spokane International Airport.
According to court documents and statements from federal prosecutors, Scott handed a flight attendant a handwritten note that falsely claimed he was carrying several pounds of homemade explosives and a detonator in his carry-on bag. The note warned that any deviation from his instructions would result in the detonation of the device, threatening the lives of all passengers aboard the aircraft. The note read, in part: “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.”
The flight crew immediately took the threat seriously and informed the pilot, who quickly notified air traffic control. The decision was made to divert the plane from its original route to Seattle and land safely at Spokane International Airport. Upon landing, Brandon Scott was taken into custody without incident by law enforcement officers who had assembled on the tarmac. A comprehensive search of the aircraft by bomb squad personnel and federal authorities determined that the threat was unfounded—no explosives or weapons were found aboard the plane.
Scott remained in federal custody from the time of his arrest. On May 21, 2025, U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced him to 22 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Scott was also ordered to undergo mental health treatment during his supervised release and to pay $79,449.47 in restitution. The financial penalty covers the emergency response costs incurred by Alaska Airlines and Spokane International Airport due to the diverted flight and required security operations.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker emphasized the serious consequences of Scott’s actions, noting that threats against commercial aviation not only endanger lives but also disrupt national travel networks and drain law enforcement and emergency response resources. The Department of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to holding individuals accountable for threats that compromise the safety of air travel.
The bomb hoax has drawn attention to the broader issue of threats against airlines and aviation infrastructure, which continue to pose challenges for law enforcement and public safety officials. Federal agencies maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of terrorist hoax, whether real or fabricated, and continue to prioritize the protection of passengers, crew, and national security.
Scott is expected to receive credit for time served, making him eligible for release later this year. His sentencing sends a strong message about the severe legal consequences of making false threats aboard commercial aircraft and underscores the importance of mental health treatment in preventing future incidents.
