News Summary
Peabody Magnet High School in Alexandria has canceled its homecoming weekend events due to credible security threats. This abrupt decision affects the parade, tailgate celebration, and football game, sparking disappointment within the community. Law enforcement has increased security measures and arrested two juveniles connected to the threats, which may be related to a recent shooting incident. Authorities emphasize public vigilance and cooperation for community safety as investigations continue.
Alexandria, Louisiana — Homecoming Events at Peabody Magnet High School Canceled Amid Security Concerns
The city of Alexandria experienced the cancellation of its traditional homecoming weekend festivities at Peabody Magnet High School due to a credible security threat, leading to the abrupt halt of scheduled events, including the parade, tailgate celebration, and football game. This decision was made shortly before the events were set to begin, following verified intelligence indicating potential risks to public safety.
Security Threats Lead to Immediate Cancellations
On the morning of September 29, 2025, officials from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office received credible information about threats targeting multiple local high schools, including Peabody Magnet High School, Alexandria Senior High School, and Pineville High School. In response, law enforcement authorities swiftly decided to cancel the homecoming parade, which crowds had already started gather along the parade route for hours prior to the announcement.
The traditional homecoming tailgate celebration was also canceled, along with the scheduled homecoming football game against Franklin High School. No rescheduled date has been announced for these events, and school officials indicated that safety concerns outweighed planned festivities.
Community Reaction and Impact
The decision to cancel the events has sparked strong reactions within the community. Community activist Tony Brown, representing local residents, expressed anger over the cancellations, emphasizing that numerous attendees had traveled from distant locations, including California and Canada, specifically for the celebration. Many participants gathered along the parade route, eager to participate in the festivities before the cancellation was announced.
Brown highlighted the disappointment felt by students, parents, band members, and the homecoming court, noting they had spent weeks preparing for the weekend’s events. The abrupt cancellations have disrupted plans for many families and supporters of the school community.
Law Enforcement Actions and Ongoing Investigation
Following the threats, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of two juveniles connected to the case. The first juvenile was apprehended and booked on charges of terrorizing in relation to threats made against Pineville High School. A second juvenile was later arrested and booked into the Renaissance Home for Youth, suspected of terrorizing in connection with threats against Peabody and Alexandria Senior High School.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the threats were linked to a recent shooting incident at a club in Pineville earlier that morning. Authorities stated that, although the threats were deemed “non-credible,” their investigation is ongoing, and additional security measures are in place at the affected schools.
Enhanced Security Measures and Community Safety
Law enforcement agencies have increased their security presence around schools and public venues in Alexandria and surrounding areas. The school superintendent of Rapides Parish, Jeff Powell, extended appreciation to law enforcement for their quick response and urged parents and guardians to cooperate with security protocols during this period of heightened vigilance.
Officials have also appealed to the community for assistance, requesting public cooperation and information that may aid ongoing investigations. Multiple contact numbers and reporting channels have been established for individuals wishing to provide tips or relevant information regarding the threats.
Origins and Possible Motives of Threats
Initial investigations indicate that the threats may have originated from individuals outside of Rapides Parish. Officials suspect that the threats could be retaliatory in nature, related to the recent shooting incident at a Pineville club, which possibly motivated the threats against local schools and events.
Authorities have expressed concern that such threats could adversely affect local businesses and emergency services during the weekend, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and law enforcement efforts to maintain order and safety.
Continued Monitoring and Public Advisory
The sheriff’s office and school officials continue to monitor the situation closely. They have urged the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity. Law enforcement officials have reassured the community that investigations are ongoing, and they are committed to ensuring the safety of all students, staff, and residents during this period.
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Additional Resources
- KALB: Threats Made to ASH, Peabody & Pineville High Schools
- Wikipedia: Pineville, Louisiana
- CENLA Now: Rapides Parish Sheriff Investigates School Threats
- Google Search: School Threats Louisiana
- The Town Talk: Police Threats to Alexandria, Peabody, Pineville High Schools
- Google Scholar: School Safety Measures
- KALB: Peabody Homecoming Game & Parade Canceled
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homecoming Festival
- KALB: Peabody Magnet High School Hosts Annual Homecoming
- Google News: Peabody Magnet High School
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
