A 17-year-old from California, Alan Winston Filion, has been arrested and charged with four felony counts related to swatting, a practice of making fake threats to provoke a forceful response from law enforcement. Filion is accused of being responsible for hundreds of swatting attacks on various targets across the United States, including high schools, universities, mosques, and federal agents. His arrest was the result of a multi-agency investigation that traced his digital trail on platforms such as YouTube and Discord, as well as usernames related to The Lord of the Rings.
According to Florida state prosecutors, the charges against Filion relate to a single swatting attack on the Masjid Al Hayy Mosque in Sanford, Florida, on May 12, 2023. However, they allege that he is responsible for many more incidents throughout the country. The charges include making false reports to law enforcement and unlawful use of a two-way radio to facilitate an act of terrorism targeted at people based on race, religion, or other protected classes.
Filion’s arrest is the culmination of a manhunt that began over a year ago. In the course of the investigation, the FBI interviewed Filion’s father, William, at their home in Lancaster, California. Filion’s attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Swatting is a dangerous practice that can have serious consequences. It puts innocent lives at risk and diverts law enforcement resources away from genuine emergencies. This case highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to track down and prosecute individuals involved in such activities.
