News Summary
In a significant decision for community safety, Alexandria officials have canceled the Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Parade and Football Game due to credible threats targeting attendees. The threats, linked to a recent violent incident, have prompted law enforcement and school officials to prioritize security. While no incidents occurred within the city, the cancellation reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of students and alumni. The Peabody community awaits news on rescheduling and potential commemorative events to honor their traditions.
Alexandria Cancels Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Events Due to Threats
Alexandria officials have announced the cancellation of the Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Parade and Football Game, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025. This decision was made in response to credible threats received by authorities, which prompted immediate safety measures to protect students, attendees, and the community.
Details of the Threats and Incident Response
The City of Alexandria released a statement indicating that the threats originated from verified intelligence pointing to retaliatory actions from individuals outside of Rapides Parish. These threats specifically targeted parade participants, students, and alumni. Reports detailed individuals believed to be armed with long-gun weapons who intended to harm those attending the events.
The threats are suspected to be in retaliation for violence linked to the Super Daqx bar located outside the city. The bar incident involved multiple reports to law enforcement about gunfire at the establishment situated in the 7500 block of U.S. 71 South. Upon arrival, deputies found that several people had been shot, with multiple victims transported to hospitals by their own vehicles. Initial investigations confirmed the presence of four victims, though their current condition remains unknown, and authorities continue their investigation.
Law Enforcement and School Responses
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) is actively investigating both the shooting incident and the credible threats against the upcoming school events. Out of an abundance of caution, Peabody Magnet High School announced via social media that both the parade and the game were canceled to ensure community safety, working closely with law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation.
The school also indicated that it plans to contact the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to reschedule the football game. The new date and time are yet to be announced, but school officials aim to honor tradition while prioritizing safety.
Official Statements and Community Impact
Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy issued a statement clarifying that the threats originated outside the city and emphasized that no incidents had occurred within Alexandria itself. He highlighted the importance of taking preventive measures in response to the credible threats to prevent harm to innocent community members.
In addition to the cancellation, officials are considering a resurrection event to honor Peabody alumni as a potential makeup for the disrupted homecoming schedule. Such plans aim to maintain the community’s spirit and legacy amidst the recent threats and cancellations.
Historical and Community Context
Peabody Magnet High School holds a significant place in Alexandria’s history and community culture, having served as an educational hub since the late 1800s. It was originally established as the sole public school for Black students from grades one through seven, symbolizing resilience and community pride. The school’s annual homecoming events are longstanding traditions that celebrate this rich heritage and foster community engagement.
Many alumni, past students, and residents expressed their feelings of loss and concern over the cancellation, emphasizing the importance of preserving the school’s legacy. Despite the setback, community leaders and school officials remain committed to restoring normalcy and ensuring safety for future events.
Looking Ahead
Authorities continue their investigation into the shooting incident and the threats to assess security measures and prevent future violence. The community awaits further updates on the rescheduling of the game and additional commemorative events, with safety remaining the top priority. The city and school officials remind the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KALB: Peabody Homecoming Game & Parade Canceled
- Wikipedia: Homecoming
- KALB: Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Parade
- Google Search: Peabody Magnet High School
- The Town Talk: Ken Burns Production Team Seeks Stories
- Google Scholar: Peabody High School
- KALB: Peabody’s Homecoming Draws Generations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homecoming
- CenlaNOW: Peabody High Homecoming Prompts Road Closures
- Google News: Peabody Homecoming
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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