News Summary
The Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Parade and football game have been canceled due to credible threats against attendees. The decision followed verified intelligence indicating armed individuals planning retaliatory threats. Community members expressed disappointment, but safety concerns prompted proactive measures. Plans for a potential event to honor alumni are being discussed, although the school seeks to reschedule the football game. Alexandria Mayor emphasized that threats were external, urging the public to remain vigilant during this period.
Alexandria, Louisiana — The Peabody Magnet High School Homecoming Parade and the associated football game scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, have been officially canceled due to credible threats against participants and attendees. The decision was made public in a news release from the City of Alexandria, emphasizing safety concerns regarding the planned events.
The release noted that the cancellation was prompted by verified intelligence indicating retaliatory threats from individuals outside of Rapides Parish aimed specifically at parade-goers, Peabody students, and alumni. Reports indicated that certain individuals were reportedly armed with long-gun weapons and posed a serious risk to those intending to attend the parade.
The threats were reportedly connected to earlier violent incidents linked to the Super Daqx bar, located outside of Alexandria. Law enforcement agencies responded to multiple calls regarding shots fired at an establishment on the 7500 block of U.S. 71 S. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered that several individuals had been shot, and victims were quickly transported to local hospitals by bystanders. As of the latest updates, four victims were reported, though their current conditions remain unknown. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the investigation into these incidents is ongoing.
In light of these developments, Peabody Magnet High School took proactive measures to cancel the homecoming festivities. The school announced that the decision was made in collaboration with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of all attendees. As a result of the cancellation, the school plans to reach out to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to discuss the possibility of rescheduling the football game. The new date and time will be communicated to the community once arrangements are finalized.
Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy released a statement to clarify that the cancellation was triggered by threats originating outside of Alexandria, not due to any violent incidents occurring within the city. He emphasized the necessity for preventive measures in response to the credible threats posed to innocent individuals attending the homecoming festivities.
While community members expressed disappointment about the cancellation, tentative plans are being made for a potential event to honor Peabody alumni, providing an opportunity to commemorate the legacy of past students and maintain connections among residents. Peabody Magnet High School has a rich history and has been a vital institution in Alexandria since the late 1800s. It has traditionally served as the principal educational establishment for black students attending from first to seventh grades and has been known for its vibrant community heritage and pride.
The annual homecoming events at Peabody have long been a cherished tradition within the school and broader community. Many alumni expressed feelings of loss at the cancellation, especially with a special focus on preserving the memory of those who have passed away during this year’s planned homecoming events.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, ensuring the safety of the community during this unsettling time. Further updates regarding the rescheduling of the game and any future events will be provided to the public as information becomes available.
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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
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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
