EFFINGHAM POLICE INVESTIGATING FALSE THREAT AT WALMART

Effingham police continue to investigate a false threat, known as a “swatting” call, that prompted the evacuation of the city’s Walmart Monday night. According to the Effingham Police Department, officers responded just after 9 p.m. after an unknown man called the store and threatened to arrive with a firearm and shoot people inside. Officers arrived within minutes, secured the scene, and conducted a thorough search of the building and surrounding area. As a precaution, Walmart management closed the store for the remainder of the evening while employees and customers were safely evacuated. During the investigation, officers determined the threat was a swatting incident—a false report of a serious crime intended to trigger a large law enforcement response. Police said they have learned of similar incidents involving Walmart stores in Illinois and Kentucky over the past month. Effingham Police Investigations Lt. Aaron Lange emphasized that swatting is a serious criminal offense with potentially dangerous consequences. “A false report of an active threat is not a prank,” Lange said. “These intentional hoaxes create high-risk situations for responding officers, innocent victims, and the public, and they can have life-altering, or even deadly, consequences.” Lange said the department will work with local and state law enforcement partners to identify those responsible and seek the maximum penalties allowed under the law. The investigation remains ongoing.