Bomb threat on Seattle-bound flight made by man claiming to be running from cartel

SPOKANE, Wash. — An Alaska Airlines flight heading from Atlanta to Seattle was diverted to Spokane on Wednesday after a man made a fake bomb threat to flight attendants.

According to court documents released Thursday, 38-year-old Brandon Scott handed a flight attendant a note stating that “there is a bomb on the plane.”

“This is not a joke,” the note read. “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 note went on for several more paragraphs, demanding that the plane be rerouted from its destination in Seattle to “any other airport,” and to not alert any other passengers.

“Pretend there is some sort of equipment problem or whatever you have to do,” Scott’s note said in closing. “Just get this plane rerouted. Failure to comply will cost the lives of everyone on this plane.”

The pilot and co-pilot were then alerted, and then relayed the threat onto air traffic control and Alaska Airlines’ security dispatch. From there, the decision was made to reroute to Spokane, where law enforcement arrested Scott.

“The captain came over and said, ‘I can’t say much, but a guy in first class told the flight attendants that if we hand in Seattle, he has a bomb, and that he’s going to let it off if we land in Seattle,” one witnessed described.

A bomb squad did not find any explosive devices or materials anywhere on the plane.

Speaking to police, Scott admitted that he had purposely lied about having a bomb on board. He claimed that he was being targeted by members of the Sinaloa Cartel, who he says were under orders to torture and kill him when he landed in Seattle. He went on to describe how he was hoping to be arrested once the plane was diverted as to means to escape the cartel.

Alaska Airlines said there were 177 passengers and six crew members on board.

“We appreciate their patience and understanding during this situation. We are working to get them to Seattle, their original destination, as quickly as possible. We are grateful for the professionalism and care of our flight attendants and pilots throughout this incident,” said Alaska Airlines.

©2023 Cox Media Group