Alan Winston Filion, an 18-year-old from California, has admitted guilt to federal charges related to a swatting incident that involved more than 375 fake bomb and shooting threats. Swatting is when someone makes false emergency calls to dispatch heavily armed police, like SWAT teams, to a location, claiming there is a serious threat. Filion’s pranks targeted various places, including schools, religious organizations, and prominent political figures, causing panic among law enforcement across the country. The Department of Justice announced that Filion could face up to five years in prison for each of the four counts of making interstate threats.
The Impact of Filion's Actions
Authorities report that Filion, who used the online name “Torswats,” executed these threats from August 2022 to January 2024. His actions not only disrupted schools but also affected government officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Senator Rick Scott. This case is recognized as one of the largest swatting prosecutions, built on digital evidence gathered from platforms such as Telegram, Discord, and YouTube.
The Role of Investigators
Private investigator Brad Dennis was instrumental in Filion’s capture by penetrating online groups associated with Torswats and collecting vital information. Dennis shared usernames, IP addresses, and server details with the FBI, which ultimately led to Filion's identification and arrest.
Even after the arrest, swatting incidents connected to the Torswats name persisted. Threats continued as recently as November 2023, putting financial and emotional pressure on various communities. For example, one wave of threats resulted in Washington schools losing nearly $300,000 in instructional time.
What's Next for Filion?
Filion's sentencing is yet to be determined, but he may potentially face decades behind bars due to the extent and seriousness of his offenses—up to five years for each of the four counts of making interstate threats. Law enforcement continues to pursue accountability for all those involved in these operations.
