La Follette, like many other high schools, was set to have their homecoming dance from 7 to 10 pm on October 8, 2022. At around 8:45 pm, a physical altercation broke out between two 14-year-old boys. As the staff was trying to de-escalate the situation, a loud noise was made. This noise caused many students to believe that a gunshot had been fired. Students started rushing out of the gym and chaos arose. The Madison Police arrived at the scene. They determined that there was no evidence of a weapon. It was declared that the loud noise was a large balloon that had popped. This unfortunately timed event led to the dance ending early. The two students who were fighting were cited for disorderly conduct.