Oklahoma Man Who Pledged Loyalty to ISIS Planned Attack on Packed College Football Stadium, Court Records Reveal

A disturbing plot to carry out a terrorist attack on a college football stadium in Oklahoma has come to light, following the release of federal court records tying an Oklahoma man to the Islamic State (ISIS). The case is raising renewed concerns about homegrown extremism, online radicalization, and the enduring appeal of ISIS propaganda—even years after the group lost its territorial stronghold.

According to court documents unsealed Monday, Landon Kyle Swinford, an Oklahoma resident, shared his desire to wage violent jihad in the U.S. and abroad. He allegedly targeted Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium—a venue that seats over 80,000 people and hosts some of the state’s most high-profile sporting events—as a potential site for mass violence.

The details are chilling. Swinford believed the stadium’s security had gaps that could be exploited. He reportedly scouted the site with someone he believed to be an ally. In reality, that person was an undercover FBI agent.

Their communications, which stretched from May to October 2023, revealed Swinford’s growing commitment to ISIS ideology. He discussed plans to travel to Tunisia to fight for the Islamic State. At one point, he admitted that he would have carried out an attack on the stadium himself if he had the money to do so—remarking that he “sadly” lacked the resources.

An Expanding Threat Landscape

This plot isn’t an isolated case. Though ISIS lost its physical caliphate years ago, its online influence remains potent. The group continues to reach sympathizers through encrypted apps, social media, and fringe forums, often encouraging “lone wolf” attacks on soft targets in the West—particularly places like stadiums, concerts, and places of worship.

Federal prosecutors say Swinford fits that profile. In addition to the stadium plot, he allegedly expressed interest in launching an attack in New Orleans, specifically during Mardi Gras at a voodoo temple—a location chosen, it appears, more for its symbolic resonance than strategic value. He also reportedly sought to inspire others to attack Jewish synagogues, further illustrating his embrace of extremist violence.

Previous Convictions and Ongoing Legal Trouble

Swinford has already pleaded guilty to unrelated but serious charges: possession of child pornography and transmitting threats in interstate commerce. He is currently awaiting sentencing for those offenses.

The latest filings connect those charges to a broader pattern of extremist thinking and behavior. In interviews with federal agents, Swinford admitted he posted online content designed to inspire others to act violently on behalf of ISIS. These admissions offer a rare, if unsettling, glimpse into how terrorist ideology can take root in isolated individuals within the U.S.

Why This Matters

Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, located on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, is more than just a sports venue. It’s a gathering place, a cultural touchstone, and—on game days—a symbol of community pride. Its most attended event drew over 88,000 people. A successful attack on such a venue would have been devastating.

This case underscores the ongoing threat of domestic radicalization, particularly among individuals who may not have clear ties to foreign terrorist networks but absorb their messages online. The Swinford case also highlights the critical role of undercover operations in preempting violence before it unfolds.

As sentencing approaches, the Swinford investigation serves as a stark reminder: even as headlines move on from ISIS, the group’s ideology continues to resonate in the digital shadows—and the consequences can be deadly if left unchecked.