SPOKANE, Wash. – Brandon Scott, 40, was sentenced May 21 to time served plus six days in prison for making a false bomb threat on an Alaska Airlines flight.
Scott, who will be released on May 27, pleaded guilty three months ago to a charge of “false information and conveying a hoax bomb threat.”
The incident occurred on July 5, 2023, when Scott, a first-class passenger, handed a note to a flight attendant claiming there was a bomb on board. He threatened to detonate it unless the plane was rerouted, demanding secrecy from the crew.
The flight, which departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and was bound for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, was diverted to Spokane International Airport.
Police and emergency crews responded, and the Spokane Explosive Disposal Unit searched the aircraft, finding no explosives.
A passenger seated next to Scott informed police that they had seen him writing the note.
Following his arrest, Scott admitted to fabricating the bomb threat.
He claimed he wanted to be taken into custody to avoid an alleged threat from the Sinaloa Cartel, stating that cartel members were waiting for him in Seattle to torture and kill him.
