News Summary
Alexandria faced significant disruption as Peabody Magnet High School canceled homecoming events due to credible security threats. The decision was made just before the scheduled parade, affecting the planned tailgate celebration and homecoming football game. Local activists expressed frustration, noting the impact on attendees who had traveled from afar. Law enforcement has arrested juveniles linked to social media threats, prompting increased security measures around schools. Authorities are actively investigating to ensure community safety and address these serious threats.
Alexandria Ensures Safety as Peabody Magnet High School Cancels Homecoming Events Due to Security Threats
Alexandria experienced a significant disruption over the weekend after homecoming events at Peabody Magnet High School were canceled amid credible security threats. The decision was made shortly before the scheduled parade, resulting in the abrupt halt of festivities that traditionally celebrate the school’s pride and community spirit.
Major Events Canceled Overnight
Preparation and excitement had been building as crowds gathered along the parade route hours prior to its scheduled start, but authorities intervened to cancel the event after verifying intelligence indicating potential threats to public safety. The cancellation included not only the parade but also the customary tailgate celebration afterward, as well as the school’s homecoming football game against Franklin High School. No rescheduled date has been announced for either the game or related events.
Community Reactions and Impact
The decision to cancel the events has sparked reactions across the community. Notably, local activist Tony Brown expressed frustration, highlighting that attendees had traveled from distant locations such as California and Canada for the celebration. Brown emphasized that the disruption has affected students, staff, and families who had invested time and resources in the festivities.
Brown also pointed out the personal impact on football players, the homecoming court, band members, and parents who had prepared for the events, which collectively foster community spirit and camaraderie. The sudden cancellations have left many attendees disappointed and raised concerns regarding the safety measures in place.
Law Enforcement Response and Investigation
On September 29, 2025, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) announced the arrest of two juveniles related to social media threats targeting multiple high schools, including Peabody Magnet High School, Alexandria Senior High School, and Pineville High School. These threats, while deemed “non-credible,” prompted heightened security measures and ongoing investigations.
The first juvenile was connected to threats against Pineville High School and was booked on a terrorizing charge. The second juvenile was later detained and placed into the Renaissance Home for Youth, accused of terrorizing officials regarding threats linked to Peabody and Alexandria Senior High School. Authorities confirmed that these threats were associated with a prior shooting incident at a club in Pineville earlier that same morning, which may have influenced the threats’ origins.
Security Measures and Community Safety
In response to these events, law enforcement agencies have increased their security and law enforcement presence around all affected campuses. The local school district’s superintendent, Jeff Powell, publicly thanked law enforcement for their rapid response and urged parents and community members to cooperate with heightened security protocols.
The initial decision to halt the parade was driven by verified intelligence of credible threats aiming to protect public safety. Officials have indicated that attribution points to individuals outside the parish, with some indicators suggesting possible retaliatory motives related to earlier incidents.
Concerns extend beyond school safety, as authorities worry that threats could also impact local businesses and emergency services during the weekend. Law enforcement agencies continue their investigations and have issued multiple contact numbers, encouraging the public to report any relevant information to assist in maintaining safety and security.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Alerts
While the immediate threats are being addressed, investigations remain active. Law enforcement is meticulously reviewing social media activity and gathering evidence to prevent further incidents. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, ensuring community safety remains the top priority during this tense period.
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Alexandria Cancels Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Events
Peabody Magnet High School’s Homecoming Parade Canceled
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
