A 20-year-old man from Chicago named Daquan Smith has been formally charged by federal authorities with interstate transmission of a threat after allegedly calling a Disney Cruise Line phone number in December 2025. During the call, Smith claimed there was a bomb aboard a cruise ship that had left the Bahamas two days prior. Investigators traced the call back to his mobile phone and subsequently arrested him in Illinois in July, though he was later released on bond. Smith has pleaded not guilty and is currently facing potential prison time of up to five years if convicted. His legal team argues he did not intend to harm anyone and is challenging an FBI interview that allegedly occurred without proper Miranda warnings. The case is proceeding in federal court in Orlando with a next hearing set for October 13, 2026.
Key Points:
- Daquan Smith, a 20-year-old from Chicago, was indicted on federal charges for interstate transmission of a threat.
- Smith allegedly called a Disney Cruise Line phone number in December 2025 claiming there was a bomb aboard the ship.
- Investigators traced the call back to Smith’s phone and arrested him in Illinois before releasing him on bond.