LUBBOCK, TX — New information about a Lubbock man arrested on February 3 reveals that he threatened to carry out a school shooting and was involved in an hours-long standoff with SWAT and the FBI.
Stephen Patrick Furr, 29, was charged with interstate threatening communications after social media posts were reported to the FBI.
According to authorities, the posts included threats about shooting up an elementary school near Furr’s home and having a gun to carry out the attack.
Furr appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda ‘Amy’ R. Burch on Wednesday morning after being arrested on February 3.
The FBI responded to a tip about the threats posted on BlueSky, a microblogging site. Furr had posted vague contemplations about gun violence to explicit statements that he intended to carry out a shooting.
One post read, “Thinking about going out and buying a gun,” followed by, “When in Texas, shoot [expletive] [expletive] am I right? Good thing I live next to an elementary school.”
He later posted, “Will be fun to legally shoot up a school” and “I can already smell the blood.”
The FBI was able to track the account to Furr’s location in Lubbock, leading to his arrest.
“The foresight of a single tipster – coupled with the prompt action of law enforcement – may have saved dozens of young lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “The adage holds true: If you see something, say something. You may help law enforcement avert a tragedy.”
The situation quickly escalated, resulting in a standoff that involved the FBI and Special Operations teams. Authorities deployed tear gas, a drone, and an armored vehicle to breach the home. By 5:00 p.m., Furr was taken into custody without further incident.
The events leading up to Monday’s standoff were not the first time Furr had clashed with law enforcement.
Stephen Patrick Furr, 29, was charged with interstate threatening communications after social media posts were reported to the FBI.
(South Plains LIVE! Photo/Nick Thompson; Lubbock County Jail Roster)
On December 16, 2024, officers responded to reports of Furr acting strangely in the 5200 block of 90th Street. Witnesses saw him running naked down the street and shouting odd phrases before heading to a nearby park, where officers eventually found him agitated and incoherent. He was tased, tackled, and arrested after resisting.
Furr’s mother had previously expressed concerns about her son’s mental health, noting a dramatic change in his behavior.
She had found THC-infused "Social Soda" in his home and feared for his well-being. Furr had also been hospitalized multiple times for mental health and substance abuse issues, including after the December 2024 incident.
Authorities are continuing to investigate Furr’s threats and behavior. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted on federal charges.
More details will be shared as the story develops.
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