Austin Man Arrested for Alleged Bomb Threats Against Church of Scientology
In the bustling city of Austin, Texas, a 27-year-old man finds himself in some serious trouble after allegedly making threats to blow up a Church of Scientology building in a series of alarming social media posts. The accused, identified as Brandon James Mason, has been charged with making a terroristic threat, which is classified as a third-degree felony.
From Posts to Investigation
This troubling saga began when the FBI received a tip-off from Meta regarding potentially dangerous posts made on Instagram during the dates of September 20 and 21. According to an arrest affidavit, Mason made a number of both specific and vague threats, including one chilling post where he declared, “IM GONNA GO BLOW the SCIENTOLOGY BUILDING UP.” In addition, he made threats that had locals shaking in their boots, stating he would “blow Austin up.”
It seems Mason didn’t think twice when resorting to social media for his outbursts. Investigators quickly got on the case, tracing the threatening messages back to Mason through various digital breadcrumbs, including IP addresses, phone records, and social media accounts. The chaos didn’t stop there—after his original Instagram account was banned, Mason allegedly attempted to post similar threats on new accounts, which only made it easier for authorities to connect the dots.
On the Trail of the Threats
Following the trail of digital footprints, authorities were able to obtain a search warrant directed at Google Fiber, which led them straight to Mason’s residence in North Austin. As investigators dug deeper into his background, they discovered some interesting tidbits. Mason’s former roommate provided police with key insights, confirming that Mason had indeed been living at the address when the threats were made. However, it seems he decided to leave rather suddenly in September, generating even more curiosity regarding his potential motives.
The Target: Church of Scientology
The Church of Scientology building that was the target of Mason’s threats is conveniently located on Guadalupe Street, just a stone’s throw away from the University of Texas campus. The proximity to such a significant local landmark undoubtedly raised concerns among community members, prompting an increased focus on ensuring the safety of students and residents in the area.
Mason’s Current Status
As of now, Brandon James Mason is still behind bars in the Travis County Jail, where he remains on a cumulative bond set at an impressive $50,000. It’s important to note that making terroristic threats is a serious offense. If convicted, Mason could face severe consequences, including hefty fines and potentially significant prison time. The reality of the situation serves as a chilling reminder that words—even those tossed around on social media—can lead to real-life repercussions.
In Closing
This incident has sparked a conversation around the implications of social media and the importance of responsible communication. As the investigation continues, residents of Austin are left pondering the potential dangers that lurk behind the screens of their digital devices. Hopefully, this will encourage everyone to think twice before hitting that ‘post’ button and to treat social media as a platform for connection—not conflict.
