Austin News

The Texas Department of Public Safety's iWatchTexas program played a crucial role in preventing a potential school attack by alerting authorities to online threats. Stephen Patrick Furr, 29, was arrested by the FBI in Lubbock on February 3, 2025, following a report submitted through the program.

"This is exactly what the iWatchTexas program was designed to do: help Texans quickly alert law enforcement of mass attacks or targeted violence," stated DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. "By reporting something suspicious, lives were saved. It’s an important reminder of the role we all play in protecting each other by remaining vigilant and speaking up if we see something strange or suspicious."

A community member submitted an iWatchTexas report after noticing social media posts that escalated from musings about a future school shooting to claims of possessing a gun and intending to carry out an attack. The Texas Fusion Center (TXFC) acted swiftly upon receiving this information, identifying Furr as the suspect within hours and leading to his arrest on charges of interstate threatening communications.

The TXFC operates as a central hub for homeland security information in Texas, working around the clock with various law enforcement agencies to provide intelligence on suspicious activities.

The iWatchTexas program enables residents to report behaviors indicative of criminal or terroristic threats via mobile app, online platform, or phone call. In September 2024 alone, the program received over 204 reports related to school safety concerns.

Reports are reviewed by law enforcement analysts and remain confidential unless contact information is provided for follow-up inquiries. The public is encouraged to use this resource when they observe potentially dangerous activities.

Texans can download the free iWatchTexas app on both iPhone and Android devices.