Fort Worth high school band director assaulted near campus, officials say
A band director at Southwest High School in Fort Worth was assaulted near campus on Friday, Sept. 12, school officials said.
The teacher, Jeff DeMaagd, has been released from a hospital and is recovering at home.
DeMaagd was assaulted near the school’s campus by a group of young people who are not believed to be students at Southwest, Principal John Engel said in a social media post.
DeMaagd told Fort Worth police that he confronted four young people who were climbing on a tower in the high school’s parking lot and told them to get down for their safety. One of the youths knocked the teacher’s phone out of his hand and took it, he told police. DeMaagd followed them for a couple of blocks to the 6100 block of Welch Avenue, where three of the young people punched him shortly before 5 p.m., according to police.
A passer-by helped to stop the attack, and the assailants walked away, police said. DeMaagd was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle.
Both police and Fort Worth ISD school administrators are investigating the assault, the principal said. No arrests have been announced.
“Images related to this incident are circulating on social media,” Engel said. “These images may be upsetting to see, and I want to reassure you that our teacher is receiving care and that we are in close contact with him.”
The school is also focused on supporting the students, Engel said.
“I want to express how deeply sorry I am that this happened. The safety and well-being of our students and staff guide every decision we make, and we remain committed to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for everyone,” Engel said.
In a statement to WFAA-TV, DeMaagd said, “This is a terrible incident but is NOT a reflection of the wonderful community that is Southwest HS. I am healing and excited to rejoin the students, parents, teachers and admin. I will turn my attention and energy toward all the students making positive choices for themselves and their community. There will NOT be a GoFundMe set up, but anyone who wishes to do so may donate to (the school band program’s) fall pledge drive online.”
This story was originally published September 14, 2025 at 4:59 PM.