A 20-year-old man from Oklahoma could face a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to planning a terrorist attack on a football stadium, inspired by ISIS. The plot, eerily similar to a 2005 incident where a student detonated a bomb outside a stadium, was thwarted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The individual, Landon Swinford, was living with his parents while openly supporting ISIS online. His digital footprint included planning attacks and pledging allegiance to ISIS, all while maintaining the appearance of a typical young adult.
The case began to unfold in 2023 when Swinford unknowingly engaged with an undercover FBI agent posing as an ISIS member. Swinford, who had recently converted to Islam, voiced his disdain for American society, citing cultural issues and the lack of Sharia law.
His interactions with the undercover agent included sharing images of himself with an ISIS flag and a video where he pledged allegiance while wielding a knife. Swinford also sent a manifesto expressing his readiness to commit acts of terror for his cause.
Swinford initially targeted a football stadium, which he had visited with his grandparents. After assessing the security measures, he deemed it a suitable location for an attack, similar to the 2005 bombing attempt.
However, Swinford later shifted his focus to New Orleans, intending to attack a Voodoo temple during Mardi Gras and then escape to Egypt. He planned to send money to the undercover agent as a down payment for travel.
The plot unraveled when Swinford’s mother discovered ISIS-related items in his room while searching for a Halloween costume. This discovery, coupled with a tip about child exploitation material linked to Swinford’s IP address, led to his arrest.
During interrogation, Swinford confessed to his plans, stating that he would have executed the attack if he had the financial means. He has since pleaded guilty to federal charges, including making terroristic threats and child exploitation offenses.
As Swinford awaits his sentence, he could face a prison term of 25 to 45 years, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the threat they posed.