On the evening of Friday, November 15, 2024, a major police and emergency response was triggered at the Clewiston Walmart Supercenter, located at 1005 W Sugarland Highway, Clewiston, Florida, following reports of an active shooter incident. Witnesses reported that at approximately 7:30 p.m., the tranquility of the typical Friday night shopping was shattered as gunfire erupted inside the store. Authorities have since confirmed that a man opened fire during a scuffle, leaving at least one person injured and prompting an immediate lockdown of the premises.
The Clewiston Police Department, joined by the Fire Department, along with units from neighboring agencies and multiple ambulances, 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. In a harrowing moment, a shopper who witnessed the events unfold shared that “It was like something out of a nightmare – everyone was just running, pushing carts aside, trying to get out.”
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. Walmart employees directed shoppers to designated exits, while police officers entered the store to locate and contain the shooter.
In the immediate aftermath of the initial gunfire, emergency responders assessed the injured, transporting one individual to a nearby medical facility for treatment. 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. “You see it on the news, and you think it’ll never happen in your town,” said a resident who was on the scene. “It’s heartbreaking to see our community going through this.”
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. Police Chief Daniel Reyes held a brief press conference outside the Walmart location late Friday night, urging the community to remain calm but vigilant as authorities work to gather information. “We want to assure everyone that we are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of this community and to bring clarity to what happened tonight,” Chief Reyes stated.
Chief Reyes also requested that those with video footage or firsthand information contact the Clewiston Police Department’s tip line. In the interest of public safety and the ongoing investigation, he urged residents to avoid the area surrounding the Walmart Supercenter until further notice.
The Walmart Supercenter on West Sugarland Highway will remain closed indefinitely, pending a thorough police investigation. Law enforcement officials will continue to secure the area, searching for additional evidence that may clarify the timeline of events and determine if any other suspects are involved. With an active shooter incident still under assessment, neighboring businesses have increased security measures, and several stores in the vicinity have temporarily closed out of caution.
In response to the events at Walmart, the Clewiston community is banding together, with numerous local churches and civic organizations reaching out to provide support for those affected. Counseling services are being organized for employees and witnesses who may need help processing the traumatic experience. Additionally, community leaders are planning a vigil to honor the resilience of the Clewiston community and support the families impacted by this tragic event.
This incident has brought renewed attention to discussions surrounding gun control, community safety, and mental health support in Clewiston and beyond. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will be examining all aspects of the incident to determine not only the specific circumstances of the altercation but also how to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, officials are reminding residents to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior to local authorities. The Clewiston Police Department and local first responders are committed to ensuring a safe environment for the community as they continue to address the aftermath of this disturbing event. Further updates regarding the incident, including the identity of the suspect and any legal actions that may follow, are expected in the coming days as officials conclude their preliminary investigations.
