Holloway first gained public attention in 1980, when he led an anti-bussing movement in Rapides Parish, opposing a federal court's desegregation order.

He led a group of white parents who seized a local elementary school that was set to be shuttered and operated it for their children.

Prompted by local support, Holloway launched his first campaign for Congress, losing to incumbent Gillis Long by more than 40 percentage points.

[4] Holloway faced pushback for a public forum at which he said he would no longer urge his followers to remain calm: "If they want to burn [schools], let them go.

"[5] The local daily, The Town Talk, called it a "betrayal" of his supporters and that Holloway had given "his personal go-ahead Friday night to those who think the torching of school buildings is the best solution to the desegregation mess.