A California teen has been arrested in connection with a swatting call targeting a Florida mosque, authorities said.
Alan Winston Filion, 17, of Lancaster, California, is facing multiple felonies after police say he carried out a swatting operation at the Masjid Al-Khaiy Mosque in Sanford, Florida, last year.
“Swatting” targets individuals by filing false police reports about a residence (in this case, a mosque) in order to provoke a SWAT team response.
On May 12, 2023, Seminole County Law Enforcement received a call from a person who told police he was trying to enter the mosque at 786 Myrtle Street to commit a shooting spree.
Alan Winston Filion was extradited to Seminole County, Florida, on January 30, 2024, and entered the John E. Polk Correctional Facility without bail. (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
The caller mentioned Satanism and told police he had a handgun and explosives, according to the sheriff’s office. The caller played audio of gunshots in the background.
Approximately 30 law enforcement officers responded to the Masjid Al Khai Mosque. Since there was no gunman and the mosque was unharmed, the report was determined to be a scuffle.
SCSO’s Domestic Safety Division (DSD) investigated the incident with the FBI and determined that Filion was behind the May 12 swatting call.
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Investigators also determined that he created multiple online accounts offering “swatting services” and was involved in other swatting incidents. Various IP addresses connected to these accounts led investigators to Filion’s California address.
The FBI executed a search warrant on his home on July 15, 2023. Based on the information gathered and incriminating evidence obtained from analysis of the seized equipment, a warrant for his arrest was obtained.
Masjid Al Khai Mosque seen from Myrtle Street in Sanford, Florida. (Google Maps)
Filion was taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on January 18, 2024. He was taken into custody at Los Padrinos Juvenile Detention Center, then extradited to Seminole County, Florida, on Thursday and booked into the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on February 1st. Unbound state.
Fillion is charged as an adult with false reporting, illegal use of a communications device and swatting.
Investigators believe Fillion may be involved in other swatting cases around the country. If a connection is found, local authorities will investigate those cases within their jurisdiction and under local authority.
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Fillion’s arrest comes amid a spate of swatting incidents targeting Republican lawmakers, including on Christmas Day.
