Falmouth Teen Arrested in Alleged School Shooting Plot

Falmouth, MA – Authorities say swift action by law enforcement and school safety officials may have prevented a potential tragedy in Falmouth, where an 18-year-old male was arrested after allegedly preparing to carry out a school shooting.

According to Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois and Falmouth Police Chief Jeff Lourie, Ian Fotheringham, 18, of Falmouth, was arraigned Friday in Barnstable District Court on a charge of Threatened Use of a Deadly Weapon in a Public Building. He is currently being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for September 16.

Timeline of the Investigation

The case began in August when Falmouth Police received a tip that Fotheringham had been making disturbing statements about wanting to “shoot up a school” and was refurbishing firearms.

• Initial Search: While no illegal weapons were recovered at his home during the first investigation, authorities kept close watch.
• September Concerns: In early September, school safety monitors reported spotting a suspicious male in the woods near a local school. Officers later identified him as Fotheringham.
• Evidence Uncovered: A search of his phone revealed concerning images of Columbine High School, along with evidence that he had access to a 3D printer capable of producing firearms.

On Thursday, September 11, around 12:30 p.m., Fotheringham was taken into custody by Falmouth Police with assistance from Massachusetts State Police Detectives.

Community Response

DA Galibois credited the collaboration of school officials and police with preventing what could have been a devastating incident.

“The vigilance and swift action of law enforcement and school safety officials directly averted a potential tragedy,” Galibois said, noting his gratitude for the coordination across agencies.

What Comes Next

The case remains under active investigation. Fotheringham will remain in custody until at least his next court date on September 16, when a judge will decide whether he should continue to be held as dangerous.

Officials have not released information about any specific school targets, but have reiterated that there is no active threat to students at this time.