The following is a press release from the Ruston Police Department

Following a swift investigation into a widely circulated social media video depicting racial epithets being shouted utilizing an amplification device adjacent to Louisiana Tech Campus, the Ruston Police Department has arrested two Louisiana Tech University students. Taylor Guerrero and Jackson Gilbert have been officially charged with Disturbing the Peace.

The arrests stem from an incident over the weekend at the Sigma Nu fraternity house, where individuals used a loudspeaker device to repeatedly shout a racial slur. The video sparked immediate condemnation from university leadership and the national fraternity chapter. Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson released a strong statement alongside the announcement of the arrests, underscoring the department’s zero-tolerance policy for actions that threaten the peace and safety of the community.

“This was an egregious act that disrupted our community and warranted an appropriate, decisive response from law enforcement,” said Chief Watson. “Our department will continue to work hand-in-hand with university officials to ensure that behavior of this nature is met with full legal accountability.”

Both suspects have been processed and charged accordingly. The investigation remains active as authorities review additional surveillance footage and testimonies.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This story is developing.

---

---

By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — The University of Louisiana System has named the Presidential Search Committee that will help the Board of Supervisors find the next president of Louisiana Tech University following the announcement by Dr. Jim Henderson of his intention to retire at the end of the calendar year.

Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Romero appointed the committee, which is made up of UL System board members, Louisiana Tech faculty and students, alumni and Ruston community members. The group will help guide the search process, review candidates and advance recommendations to the board for consideration.

State Rep. Chris Turner is among the 18 members who will serve under committee chair and UL System President Rick Gallot.

“I’m just thrilled to serve on the committee for the next step, and for great things to happen at Louisiana Tech,” Turner said.

Gallot will lead the committee as a non-voting chair. The eight voting members are board members Barry Busada, Steve Davison, Emily Lamkin, Keith Myers, Elizabeth Pierre, Romero and Kristine Russell, along with Louisiana Tech Faculty Senate President Michael Swanbom.

Non-voting members are John Allen, Bill Bailey, Katie Hall, Bill Hogan, Louisiana Tech Student Government Association President Maygen Jackson, Bruce Rushing, Louisiana Tech Vice President Emerita Corre Stegall, Turner and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker. The committee will hold its first meeting at 1 p.m. Oct. 8 on the Louisiana Tech campus. Members will review the presidential search process and consider the proposed search advertisement and timeline. The meeting location will be announced once it is finalized, and the approved search timeline will be posted after the meeting.

The committee is accepting nominations and applications for the position. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae or résumé and a list of professional references. Applications received by Nov. 6 will receive full consideration in the initial review of candidates.

The board expects to select Louisiana Tech’s next president Nov. 19, with the new president taking office Jan. 1, 2027. Meeting information, search materials and updates throughout the process will be available on the Louisiana Tech Presidential Search webpage.

This story is developing.

---

---