On the evening of December 19, 2024, panic and tragedy struck the heart of Lumberton, North Carolina, as reports of a shooting emerged from the Walmart located at 5070 Fayetteville Road. What began as a typical evening of holiday shopping in the bustling superstore ended in chaos, as gunfire erupted inside the store, sending employees and customers scrambling for safety. The Lumberton Police Department and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported, and as the situation continues to unfold, questions remain about the number of victims, the identity of the suspect or suspects, and the motives behind the violence that has left the tight-knit community shaken.
According to preliminary reports, the shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m., during peak shopping hours as families and individuals prepared for the upcoming holiday season. Witnesses described hearing a series of loud gunshots coming from the center of the store, followed by screams and the sound of frantic footsteps as panicked shoppers sought cover or fled toward exits. Walmart employees reportedly sprang into action, guiding customers to safe areas within the store or helping them escape through emergency exits. Many described the harrowing moments of confusion and fear as they struggled to comprehend what was happening.
“We were in the toy aisle, picking out gifts for my nephews, when we heard these loud bangs,” recounted Maria Lopez, a customer who was shopping with her young son. “At first, I thought it was something falling off the shelves, but then people started running and screaming. I grabbed my son and ran toward the back of the store. It was the scariest moment of my life.”
As law enforcement officers arrived on the scene, the Walmart and its surrounding area were placed on lockdown. Officers secured the perimeter and began a methodical sweep of the premises to ensure there were no ongoing threats. Shoppers and employees who had managed to escape were directed to a nearby staging area, where they were questioned by investigators and provided with support by counselors from local organizations. Meanwhile, emergency medical teams rushed to provide aid to those injured in the incident, though the exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed.
Details about the shooter or shooters remain scarce, though unconfirmed reports suggest that at least one individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. It is unclear whether the shooting was a targeted act or a random attack, and investigators are working to piece together a timeline of events using surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office has joined the Lumberton Police Department in the investigation, and federal agencies, including the FBI, are reportedly providing support to determine whether the incident has any broader implications.
This shooting comes at a time when communities across the United States are grappling with an alarming rise in gun violence, particularly in public spaces that are traditionally considered safe, such as schools, shopping centers, and places of worship. For residents of Lumberton, a city of approximately 20,000 people located in southeastern North Carolina, the Walmart on Fayetteville Road serves as a central hub for commerce and social interaction. The incident has therefore struck a particularly deep chord, leaving many to question how such violence could erupt in their community.
Local leaders and residents have expressed their shock and sorrow over the events of the evening. Mayor Bruce Davis issued a statement shortly after the news broke, calling the shooting “a tragic reminder of the challenges we face as a society” and urging residents to come together in support of one another. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” Davis said. “We must remain united in the face of this senseless violence and work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community.”
Community organizations and faith leaders have also stepped forward to offer assistance to those affected by the tragedy. Reverend James Locklear of the First Baptist Church of Lumberton announced that the church would be holding a vigil for the victims and their families, as well as providing resources for those in need of counseling or support. “This is a time for healing and solidarity,” Locklear said. “We must lean on one another and find strength in our shared humanity.”
The broader context of the Lumberton shooting highlights ongoing debates about gun control, mental health, and public safety in the United States. Robeson County, where Lumberton is located, has faced its share of challenges in recent years, including economic struggles, high crime rates, and social disparities. Some local leaders have pointed to these factors as contributing to the conditions that enable violence to occur, while others have emphasized the need for stricter gun laws and better access to mental health services.
Dr. Angela Harrington, a criminologist at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, noted that incidents like the Walmart shooting underscore the complexities of addressing gun violence in America. “This is not an issue with a single solution,” Harrington said. “It requires a multifaceted approach that includes addressing the root causes of violence, improving access to mental health care, and implementing common-sense gun safety measures. At the same time, we must also invest in community-building efforts to foster trust, resilience, and a sense of shared responsibility.”
As the investigation into the Lumberton shooting continues, residents are left to grapple with the emotional and psychological toll of the incident. Many have taken to social media to share their condolences and express their hopes for a stronger, safer community in the wake of the tragedy. The hashtag #LumbertonStrong has begun trending locally, serving as a rallying cry for unity and support.
In the coming days, more details about the shooting are expected to emerge, shedding light on the motives behind the attack and the lives of those affected. For now, however, the focus remains on healing and rebuilding a sense of safety and trust within the community. The Walmart on Fayetteville Road, once a bustling symbol of everyday life in Lumberton, now stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of peace and the resilience of the human spirit. As residents light candles and hold vigils in memory of the victims, they are united by a shared determination to confront the challenges ahead and build a future defined not by fear, but by hope and compassion.
The Lumberton shooting is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done to address the epidemic of gun violence in America. It calls on all of us—lawmakers, community leaders, and everyday citizens—to recommit ourselves to the values of safety, justice, and unity. In doing so, we honor the lives lost and take a meaningful step toward preventing such tragedies in the future.
