A California teenager has been arrested in connection with a swatting call that targeted a mosque in Sanford, Florida. The suspect, Alan Winston Filion, 17, from Lancaster, California, is facing multiple felonies for his involvement in the incident. Swatting is a dangerous prank where an individual calls in a false police report to provoke a SWAT team response.
The swatting call was made to the Masjid Al Hayy Mosque on May 12, 2023, with the caller claiming to be entering the mosque for a mass shooting. The caller also made references to Satanism, claimed to possess a handgun and explosive devices, and played audio of gunfire in the background. As a result, approximately 30 law enforcement officers responded to the scene, only to find no shooter and confirm the safety of the mosque.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, along with the FBI, conducted an investigation into the incident. They determined that Filion was responsible for the swatting call and discovered that he had created multiple online accounts offering “swatting services.” Through various IP addresses connected to these accounts, investigators were able to trace Filion back to his California address.
On July 15, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Filion’s home, which led to the discovery of incriminating evidence. Based on this evidence, a warrant for Filion’s arrest was obtained. He was apprehended by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on January 18, 2024, and subsequently extradited to Seminole County, Florida.
Filion is now facing charges as an adult, including false reports, unlawful use of communication devices, and swatting. Investigators suspect that he may be connected to other swatting incidents across the United States, and local authorities will investigate any potential links within their jurisdictions.
This arrest comes during a surge of swatting incidents targeting Republican lawmakers, including an incident on Christmas Day. Swatting is a dangerous and potentially lethal act that puts innocent lives at risk. Law enforcement agencies and the FBI are actively working to combat this alarming trend.
