News Summary
Homecoming weekend events at Peabody Magnet High School have been canceled following credible security threats reported by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. This decision disappointed many community members who had come from afar to celebrate. The cancellation affects the parade, tailgate celebration, and football game against Franklin. Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with these threats, leading to increased security measures on campuses and ongoing investigations by law enforcement. The community is unsettled by the abrupt loss of this cherished tradition.
Alexandria – Homecoming weekend events at Peabody Magnet High School have been canceled due to credible security threats, leading to significant disappointment and frustration among community members. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office reported arrests related to the social media threats impacting multiple local high schools, including Peabody Magnet.
Before the cancellation, large crowds had gathered along the parade route, anticipating the traditional festivities. The homecoming parade was scheduled to take place just before authorities halted the event based on verified intelligence regarding credible public safety threats. The cancellation extended to the tailgate celebration following the parade and the Peabody homecoming football game against Franklin.
The decision drew criticism from community activist Tony Brown, who expressed anger over the impact on participants who had traveled from as far away as California and Canada for the celebration. Brown highlighted the emotional toll on football players, members of the homecoming court, band members, and their families, many of whom had been preparing for the events.
On September 29, 2025, two juveniles were arrested by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office in connection to social media threats made against Peabody Magnet High School, Alexandria Senior High School, and Pineville High School. While the threats were deemed “non-credible,” law enforcement continues to investigate the situation further. The first juvenile arrest was linked to threats regarding Pineville High, resulting in a charge of terrorizing.
The second juvenile, who was arrested later, has been booked into the Renaissance Home for Youth for terrorizing related to threats against Peabody and Alexandria Senior High. Investigators established that the threats directed towards local schools had a connection to a shooting incident earlier that same day at a club in Pineville.
In response to the unfolding situation, authorities have increased the security presence at the affected campuses, and they are urging parents and community members to cooperate during these heightened security measures. Superintendent of the Rapides Parish School Board Jeff Powell publicly thanked local law enforcement for their swift response. The initial decision to stop the homecoming parade was not made lightly and came shortly before the start time as safety became the paramount concern.
Furthermore, officials reported that the potential threats may have originated from individuals outside of Rapides Parish and could be related to intentions of retaliation following previous incidents. Community members have expressed ongoing concerns regarding the implications of these threats not just on school events but also on local businesses and emergency services throughout the weekend.
In light of the serious nature of the threats, law enforcement agencies continue to investigate and encourage the public to report any suspicious activity or information that may assist in the inquiry. Authorities have provided multiple contact numbers to facilitate the reporting process.
As the investigation continues, the community remains unsettled by the abrupt cancellation of a long-standing tradition meant to bring families and alumni together. The focus now shifts to maintaining safety and addressing community concerns in the wake of these events.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Homecoming Parade and Football Game Canceled in Alexandria
Peabody Magnet High School 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 BALTIMORE WRITER
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.
