A routine evening of youth football and cheer practice in Houma turned into a nightmare on Thursday when parents were suddenly ordered to evacuate due to an active shooter.
The incident left families disturbed, but they were grateful that everyone walked away unharmed.
According to eyewitness accounts, the children’s football and cheer squad, many of whom were part of the Houma Steelers program, were gathering to start practice when law enforcement officers rushed into the area, shouting for everyone to clear the field.
Amy Nicole Rivere, a dental assistant at Louisiana Dental Center-Boutte and mother of two children in the program, shared her experience in a social media post later that evening. She wrote,
“Right as football practice was about to begin, cops yelled for us to get everyone off the field and leave because there was an active shooter,” she recalled. “It was a hostage situation right by the field. Charlee was safe with her stepmom, and Jesse was nowhere to be found for just a few seconds but that was the scariest few seconds until I knew where he was!”
Amy Nicole Rivere
She also emphasized how quickly families and coaches collaborated to ensure the children’s safety.
Children were rushed into vehicles, and others were gathered in a safe location until their parents could reach them. She added,
“Everyone hustled and piled kids up,” she said. “It was terrifying, but thank God we are okay.”
Amy Nicole Rivere
For many people, the thought of an armed confrontation breaking out within steps of a field where children were preparing to play football or cheer is almost unimaginable.
The Houma Steelers organization, which has long prided itself on being a safe and family-friendly environment for local children, has been left shaken by the incident.
Leaders from the program are working with local authorities to make sure families have accurate information and to provide emotional support for the young athletes who endured the frightening ordeal.
Although details about the shooting suspect have not yet been revealed, parents are choosing to focus on gratitude.
In the days ahead, the focus for many will be on healing, helping children process what they saw and heard, and reassuring them that their football and cheer family remains a safe place.
As one parent summarized in a widely shared message,
Tonight reminded us that life can change in an instant. Our babies were out there just to play football and cheer. We thank God every single one of them came home.”
The Houma Steelers family may have shaken, but they are standing together, grateful for their community, and determined to move forward stronger than before.
