Alaska Airlines Bomb Threat: Man Sentenced, Treatment Ordered

Brandon L. Scott, 40, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for making a false bomb threat aboard an Alaska Airlines flight from Atlanta to Seattle in July 2023. Scott handed a note to a flight attendant falsely claiming he had explosives and a detonator, demanding the flight be diverted to Spokane or he would detonate the explosives and kill everyone on board. The flight was diverted to Spokane International Airport, causing a ground stop and extensive delays, but no explosives were found. Scott admitted to fabricating the threat, saying he hoped to be arrested to avoid perceived threats against him. He was also ordered to pay nearly $80,000 in restitution to Alaska Airlines and Spokane International Airport. Upon release, Scott will be required to undergo mental health treatment, as authorities highlighted the serious risks and disruptions caused by such threats.