Campus Alert Archive
LSU

Homecoming Gameday Shooting on Highland Road Injures Two, Triggers Governor-Ordered Security Overhaul

LAshootingemergency notificationmedium confidence
Confirmed Threat

On October 12, 2024, during LSU's homecoming football game against South Carolina, a shooting erupted in the 3400 block of Highland Road near the campus north gates at approximately 8:30 PM CDT. Two people, ages 18 and 19, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. A 16-year-old was later arrested and charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Alerts
2
Response
—
Killed
0
Injured
2
Institution
Louisiana State University
Public R1 · LA
~37,000 studentsLSUalert
Confirmed Timeline

Alert Sequence

2 messages in sequence

Some alert texts below are approximate reconstructions from news coverage, not confirmed verbatim transcripts. Reconstructed texts are shown in italic with a dashed border. Verified verbatim texts have a solid border and are marked accordingly.

INITIAL ALERTSMS
Approximate reconstruction163 chars
LSU ALERT: Shooting reported in the 3400 block of Highland Road near Dalrymple Drive. Avoid the area. LSU Police and Baton Rouge Police are on scene investigating.

This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.

The shooting occurred near the campus north gates during the LSU vs. South Carolina homecoming football game
LSU Police were dispatched at approximately 8:30 PM CDT, with the campus alert going out roughly 10 minutes later
At least two different people opened fire during the altercation
ALL CLEARSMS+53 min
Approximate reconstruction291 chars
LSU ALERT UPDATE: The shooting incident on Highland Road has been contained. Two victims have been transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There is no ongoing threat. Normal activities may resume, but Highland Road near Dalrymple remains closed for the investigation.

This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.

The all-clear was sent at approximately 9:33 PM CDT on October 12, 2024, roughly 53 minutes after the initial alert
Highland Road remained closed for evidence collection after the all-clear was issued
Context

Background

On October 12, 2024, during LSU's centennial homecoming football game against South Carolina, a shooting erupted near the campus north gates on Highland Road at Dalrymple Drive at approximately 8:30 PM CDT. Police say the gunfire stemmed from a prior altercation, with at least two people opening fire. An 18-year-old and a 19-year-old were injured and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; one was believed to be an innocent bystander. A separate individual was also arrested near Tiger Stadium for accidentally shooting himself. In the days following the incident, Governor Jeff Landry ordered State Police to work with LSU PD, Baton Rouge PD, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office to develop an enhanced security plan. LSU subsequently announced significant security changes including the closure of Unity Field for the remainder of the football season, blocking vehicle access to Highland Road without a pass, adding surveillance drones, and increasing police presence on game days. A 16-year-old was later arrested and charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder. District Attorney Hillar Moore indicated the juvenile could face prosecution as an adult.
Analysis

Key Findings

The shooting during a major football game with tens of thousands of fans present demonstrated the security challenges of large-scale campus events
Governor Landry's direct intervention ordering enhanced security measures was unusual and reflected the political sensitivity of gameday violence at a flagship university
LSU's subsequent security overhaul, including drones and road closures, represented one of the most significant gameday security changes at any SEC institution
Outcome
A 16-year-old was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Juvenile Detention Center on charges including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, illegal possession of a weapon by a juvenile, and carrying a firearm on school property. The district attorney indicated the juvenile could be tried as an adult. Governor Jeff Landry ordered enhanced security for subsequent games.
Provenance

Sources

  1. Student Paper
    Two people shot on LSU campus during homecoming game (LSU Reveille)
    lsureveille.com
  2. Student Paper
    LSU to strengthen game day security by closing Highland Road, tailgating area and adding drones (LSU Reveille)
    lsureveille.com
  3. News
    Gov. Jeff Landry orders authorities to up security for next LSU game after weekend shooting (NOLA.com)
    nola.com
  4. Student Paper
    Teen arrested in shooting on LSU's campus during Homecoming game (LSU Reveille)
    lsureveille.com
  5. News
    16-year-old arrested after two injured in LSU shooting could be tried as adult (WBRZ)
    wbrz.com
Tags
shootinghomecomingfootball-gamegameday-securityhighland-roadsecjuvenile-suspectgovernor-interventionsecurity-overhaulbaton-rouge
Added May 2026Updated May 2026Via ingestion