ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENT AT CLEWISTON WALMART SUPERCENTER – Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies Respond to Reports of Gunfire, One Injured.
A major police and emergency response was triggered at the Clewiston Walmart Supercenter on the evening of Friday, November 15, 2024, following reports of an active shooter incident. Witnesses reported that gunfire erupted inside the store at approximately 7:30 p.m., prompting an immediate lockdown of the premises.
Authorities have confirmed that a man opened fire during a scuffle, leaving at least one person injured. The Clewiston Police Department, joined by the Fire Department and units from neighboring agencies, swiftly responded to the scene.
Eyewitnesses described an intense moment of chaos as law enforcement vehicles and ambulances converged on the Walmart store, with sirens blaring and emergency lights illuminating the area. At least eight police cars, one fire truck, and two ambulances were stationed in front of the store as officers began securing the perimeter and guiding frightened shoppers and employees to safety.
Reports indicate that the incident began as an altercation inside the store, escalating into gunfire that sent shoppers scrambling for cover and rushing to exits. Shoppers described scenes of people running through aisles, some abandoning shopping carts, and others shielding children and elderly family members in a desperate attempt to avoid the gunfire.
The Clewiston Walmart was promptly placed on lockdown as law enforcement officials attempted to gain control of the situation. Officers swiftly set up evacuation zones, leading groups of people out of the building in an organized but urgent manner.
As of the latest updates, the exact nature and extent of the victim’s injuries remain unclear, and it is not yet confirmed if the person was a participant in or a bystander to the initial altercation. Additionally, no further injuries have been reported, but authorities continue to search the building for potential victims and witnesses who may still be hiding.
Law enforcement has established a temporary command post in the Walmart parking lot, where they are interviewing witnesses and coordinating their investigation. Officials have yet to release specific details about the suspect, including any potential motive, but they are pursuing multiple leads and gathering evidence from the scene.
Surveillance footage from Walmart’s extensive in-store cameras is expected to be a critical component of the investigation, and authorities hope to quickly review the recordings to identify the shooter’s actions and possibly clarify the nature of the initial dispute.
Family members of employees and customers present at the scene gathered nearby, anxiously awaiting word of their loved ones’ safety. The tense atmosphere underscored the fears that have plagued communities nationwide in light of recent mass shooting incidents, with some expressing frustration that such an event had hit close to home.
As Clewiston law enforcement continues to investigate the events leading up to the shooting, they are calling on any eyewitnesses who may have information regarding the altercation or who can identify the suspect involved.
Please note that this is a developing story, and details are subject to change as more information becomes available. We will do our best to provide accurate and timely updates.
