DPS: iWatchTexas Tip Stops School Shooting Threats in Lubbock

AUSTIN, TX – A Lubbock man is behind bars after he made online threats about a potential school shooting, all because of a tip sent through the Texas DPS’s iWatchTexas program.

Stephen Patrick Furr, 29, was arrested on February 3 and charged by the FBI after he posted messages on social media saying he planned a school shooting.

“This is exactly what the iWatchTexas program was designed to do: help Texans quickly alert law enforcement of mass attacks or targeted violence,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “By reporting something suspicious, lives were saved.”

According to a press release, the investigation started on the morning of February 3 when a concerned community member reported the threat through the iWatchTexas program. The posts started with Furr talking about a possible school shooting and later escalated to claims that he had a gun and was going to carry out the attack. It was later found that Furr had an AR-15 in his home.

Once the tip was received, the Texas Fusion Center (TXFC) immediately began investigating. After an hours-long standoff, Furr was arrested by the FBI with the help of Lubbock Police and SWAT. He is now facing federal charges for making those online threats across state lines.

The iWatchTexas program had its busiest month in September 2024, receiving 204 school safety-related reports—more than double the total from 2023.

Anyone can report suspicious activities or threats through the iWatchTexas app, online at www.iwatchtx.org, or by calling 1-844-643-2251. Reports are usually reviewed within minutes, and all tips are kept confidential, with the option to provide contact info for follow-up.

DPS says examples of reports include threats of harm, questions about school security, or unusual purchases that could be used to make weapons. Texans are encouraged to download the iWatchTexas app, available for free on iPhone and Android.

For more details about this case, visit South Plains LIVE!’s website or the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Texas website.