On Thursday, May 7, 2026 at about 5:45 p.m., the Seward Walmart received a bomb threat from an anonymous number.
The male caller reported that multiple pipe bombs had been placed around the perimeter of the store and would detonate in 30 minutes.
At 5:54 p.m., Walmart reported the call to Seward County 911, and Seward Police responded to the scene. An officer blocked the Walmart entrance at Highway 15 while other officers evacuated customers and employees from inside the store.
A bomb detection dog responded from the Lincoln Police Department. While waiting for the K-9 unit to arrive, officers extended the perimeter and moved the staging area for the customers and employees to across Highway 15.
Lincoln PD arrived at about 7:17 p.m. Following a briefing from Seward PD, the canine searched the entire Walmart property. After about 30 minutes, the area was deemed to be safe.
Walmart staff received an update from Seward PD and were allowed back into the store at about 8 p.m. The store reopened to the public at about 8:40 p.m.
This incident was determined to be a “swatting” call with no continuing threat to the public. That same evening, a bomb threat was also received by the Kearney Walmart. The identity and location of the caller are unknown at this time. This case remains under investigation.
The Seward Police Department thanked the Seward County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police Department for their assistance.
