Daijiworld Media Network – Missouri

Missouri, Jul 6: A suspected swatting call triggered panic and prompted a massive emergency response at a Walmart store in Bolivar, Missouri, on Sunday evening after initial reports suggested there was an active shooter inside the premises.

Several eyewitnesses shared videos and photographs on social media showing a heavy police presence outside the store, fuelling speculation of a shooting incident.

However, authorities later confirmed that no shooting had occurred and there was no active shooter at the store.

In a statement, the City of Bolivar said the Bolivar Police Department, Bolivar City Fire Department and other first responders were dispatched to the Walmart on South Springfield Avenue at around 6.53 pm following reports of a threatening phone call made to the Polk County Central Dispatch emergency service.

According to officials, the caller threatened the business and people inside the store, prompting law enforcement agencies to respond immediately.

A preliminary investigation found that no one was injured and no shots were fired either inside or near the building.

Authorities said the incident appeared to be a swatting call—a false emergency report intended to trigger a large-scale police response.

Officers carried out a secondary search of the building to ensure there were no victims or threats remaining inside the store.

Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation to identify the person responsible for making the hoax emergency call. Officials said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.