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Published Aug. 29, 2026. Updated Aug. 29 with clarification from police regarding injuries, and Aug. 31 at 8:40 a.m. with police confirmation that an officer was assaulted.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — An Alexandria police officer was assaulted Friday night as officers dispersed a large crowd that gathered at the Bradlee Shopping Center after Alexandria City High School's first home football game, the department said Monday.
The officer did not receive medical treatment and did not wish to pursue further action, Strategic Communications Manager Tracy Walker said. No arrests were made.
The department initially said Saturday that no injuries were reported, then narrowed that the same afternoon to say no student injuries were reported. Walker disclosed the assault Monday morning in response to a question from The Alexandria Brief about the change.
A large crowd left the stadium area and assembled at the shopping center at about 9:45 p.m., Walker said. School resource officers were on duty at the game and additional officers were already assigned to Bradlee as a support detail. Police and school administrators worked together to disperse the crowd.
The department posted a public notice Friday night asking people to avoid the area and use alternate routes while officers worked there.
In a letter to families Saturday morning, Principal Michael Burch said a group of individuals caused a significant disruption at the shopping center following the game, which resulted in the increased law enforcement presence. He said the vast majority of students, families and fans left the sold-out game in an orderly manner.
Burch said school administrators, ACPS security personnel and law enforcement are still reviewing what happened, and that the school will follow up in accordance with school and division policies. That may include barring those involved from future extracurricular events, he wrote.
He asked families to reinforce with students that school pride should be reflected in how they conduct themselves off campus as well.
The game was the Titans' first home contest of the season at Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium, a 21-7 win over Lake Braddock. Alexandria City reached the Class 6 playoffs last fall after going winless in 2023.
Ryan Belmore is an Alexandria resident and the founder and publisher of The Alexandria Brief. Send tips, feedback, and story ideas to ryan@alexandriabrief.com.
