Seventeen-year-old Alan Filion, originally from California, is now facing legal consequences in Florida for his alleged involvement in a series of swatting incidents across the United States.
On January 30, the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office announced that Filion had been extradited to Florida to face charges related to a swatting call made to a mosque.
This significant development sheds light on the dangerous trend of swatting.
The incident in question occurred in May 2023 when a threatening call was made to the Masjid Al Hayy Mosque in Sanford, Florida. Filion allegedly claimed to be armed with a handgun and explosives, expressing intentions of committing a mass shooting “in the name of Satan”.
The call was accompanied by the sound of gunfire. This hoax resulted in an extensive law enforcement response, with approximately 30 officers dispatched to the mosque.
However, this particular incident is just one among many attributed to Filion. He stands accused of targeting various institutions such as high schools, historically Black colleges, mosques, FBI offices, and even making bomb threats against military bases and the Pentagon.
With collaboration between the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and Department of Justice, authorities traced the call back to Filion’s residence in California. In July 2023, authorities executed a search warrant at his home leading to his arrest on January 18th.
Filion currently faces three felony charges related to false reporting concerning acts of terrorism facilitation and an additional felony charge for unlawfully using communication devices with prejudice.
Despite pleading not guilty, he remains in custody while his attorney refrains from commenting on the case.
According to FOX 35 reports: “The teen’s arrest affidavit states that he has been offering his services for swatting calls since 2021 as if it were a job opportunity. He offered services like calling emergency services about gas leaks or fires for $40 and making mass shooting or bomb threats for $75.”
Since November, approximately 30 political figures, journalists, and other prominent individuals in America have fallen victim to swatting incidents. Republican Representative Tom Emmer has recently revealed himself as the latest target of this alarming trend affecting political figures.
“Tonight my family and I were the target of a ‘swatting’ incident involving a 911 prank call that wrongly diverted a police presence to my home,” Rep. Emmer said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Sadly, this illegal and dangerous scheme is being used nationwide to target elected officials.”
The Minnesota politician continued, “Thankfully, no one was home or injured. I condemn this illegal abuse of police resources. I want to thank the Wright County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism and support. I will have no additional comment on this matter.”
During the holiday season, numerous incidents of swatting were reported, targeting various political figures and officials. One such incident involved neoconservative presidential candidate Nikki Haley, whose $2.4 million waterfront estate on Kiawah Island, South Carolina was falsely claimed to be the scene of a shooting-suicide situation.
The White House also fell victim to a swatting prank when a caller falsely stated that the residence was on fire. In addition to these high-profile cases, other individuals faced similar attacks.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron received a bomb threat at his home following his involvement in a New York civil trial against President Trump. Judge Chutkan and Missouri Attorney General Jay Ashcroft also experienced swatting incidents at their residences.
Several notable personalities reported being targeted by bogus police calls in late December. These included George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley, Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R), and John Paul Mac Isaac, who gained attention for his connection to Hunter Biden’s laptop controversy.
Burt Jones additionally stated that his office had received a bomb threat. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D) also became a victim of swatting after removing Trump from the March 5 Maine Republican presidential primary election.
Marjorie Taylor Greene revealed that both her daughters’ homes were swatted over Christmas, while Republican Senator Rick Scott’s Naples, Florida home was targeted as well. Following the attack on Scott’s residence, he expressed his intention to introduce legislation that would hold those responsible for swatting accountable.
Further instances occurred during this time period involving the Boston mayor, Ohio Attorney General, and several state officials from Ohio and Georgia who were all subjected to swatting incidents over Christmas.
GOP Rep. Brandon Williams was also targeted at his home on Christmas day.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton became another victim of swatting during the holiday season.
George Soros, a billionaire known for his far-left views, recently fell victim to a prank 911 call at his residence in Southampton, New York. In December of last year, authorities uncovered a nationwide swatting operation connected to LulzSec, an infamous group of black hat hackers.
This ongoing investigation has revealed a troubling pattern of children being recruited by the group and offered significant amounts of Bitcoin as payment for their participation in these risky pranks.
To provide updates on the progress of the investigation, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Okaloosa County School District held a joint press conference.
Breaking! National swatting ring exposed! Children in LulzSec, a black hat computer hacking group, are being paid thousands in dollars in Bitcoin! Investigation is ongoing!
Joint Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office/Okaloosa County School District Swatting News Conference
It’s a… pic.twitter.com/fyPcR65jl7
— Bad Kitty Unleashed 🦁 (@pepesgrandma) December 23, 2023
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