(DRG News – Pierre, SD) The Walmart in Pierre was temporarily evacuated Sunday evening (March 15, 2026) after local authorities received a report from an individual claiming to have placed an explosive device in the store.
Information from the Pierre Police Department says at approximately 7:14pm Sunday, a call came in to the Central South Dakota Communications Center that the dispatcher determined was consistent with previous “swatting” incidents.
Officers from the Pierre Police Department responded and met with Walmart management, who elected to evacuate the store as a precaution.
Law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the building and found no suspicious items. The store was returned to Walmart management at approximately 9:50pm. The investigation to identify the caller who made the report is ongoing.
Along with the Pierre Police Department, agencies responding were the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
