A teenager in Massachusetts recently found himself in trouble after allegedly expressing a desire to carry out a school shooting. After being arrested, a judge granted him bail, allowing him to return home.
Ian Fotheringham, at just 18 years old, was taken into custody on September 11 by law enforcement in Falmouth, in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police. Concerns about his behavior surfaced when investigators were tipped off, revealing that Fotheringham mentioned wanting to “shoot up a school.” The details were sparse as he did not specify a potential target, but he hinted at working on firearms in his living space.
Earlier in the month, staff at a local elementary school noticed a “suspicious male” and alerted authorities. Upon investigation, it was found this individual was Fotheringham.
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Following the tip-off in August, officers attempted a visit to Fotheringham’s residence for a search, which he allowed. Although no weapons were discovered, a subsequent investigation after the school’s report uncovered a substantial 3D printer, capable of manufacturing firearms, in his room.
Police seized Fotheringham’s phone and discovered images related to the Columbine High School shooting. Cape and Islands Assistant District Attorney Tom Flanagan shared in court that these photos reportedly originated from the dark web and depicted victims, including the shooters from Columbine.
Additionally, reports confirmed that Fotheringham had ties to an online white supremacist group.
Charged with threats to use a deadly weapon in public places, Fotheringham was initially held without bail until his recent court date.
Diving deeper into the courtroom proceedings, coverage from WBZ noted that prosecutors provided additional details about his threats against Falmouth High School, where he was a former student, mentioned to be made in October 2024.
This case caught attention as Fotheringham’s defense attorney, Krysten Condon, filed a motion to dismiss the charges altogether. Condon argued that her client posed no threat to anyone, calling the entire case an overreaction.”
In court, she affirmed that Fotheringham was with his mother during the purported “casing” of Teaticket Elementary School and pointed out that no weapons were located during the searches, nor clothing matching that worn by the man observed at the school.
A judge from the Barnstable District Court later set Fotheringham’s bail at $2,500, indicating stipulations such as mandatory GPS monitoring and house arrest while he undergoes mental health treatment. He’s permitted to leave his residence for medical and legal reasons. Fotheringham is next due in court on October 6.
