Man Pleads Guilty to Making 'Hoax Bomb Threats' to FCC, FBI, Other Crimes

Tyler Barriss, 25, pled guilty to phoning in "hoax bomb threats" to the FCC and FBI in Washington and dozens of other crimes, said the U.S. Attorney's Office for Kansas Tuesday. A Dec. 14 threat disrupted the FCC meeting where commissioners adopted 3-2 a net neutrality reversal order (see 1712140039). Chairman Ajit Pai said he's "deeply grateful" to law enforcement and FCC security officials. Barriss, of Los Angeles, faces 20 years or more in prison, said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, with sentencing set for Jan. 30: In a Dec. 28 "swatting" incident in Wichita, Kansas, Barriss admitted making a hoax call that resulted in police surrounding a house where they believed there was a hostage situation, shooting dead an innocent man.