TOPEKA, KS — Shoppers at the Walmart on SW Wanamaker got more than they bargained for Saturday afternoon when a bomb threat forced a full evacuation of the store just after 2:30 p.m. Topeka Police say a 911 call claimed an explosive device had been left inside.
Authorities quickly responded, clearing out customers and employees while TPD’s Bomb Unit and K-9 teams, assisted by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, combed the store. No device was found, and the store reopened just after 4 p.m.
But the real detonation took place online.
“Code Blue Confusion”
Facebook lit up with live reports and speculation, with multiple users referencing “Code Blue.” That left many confused—especially those familiar with the medical meaning.
“A Walmart code blue is a bomb threat,” commented Jolene Brown Garcia, citing emergency protocol charts circulating on social media.
“Weird, because in medical terms it’s a person not breathing,” responded Kathy Pawlowski, highlighting the disconnect.
“The Internet Echo Chamber”
Dozens of users flooded local groups with the same breaking update: Bomb threat. One exasperated commenter summed it up:
“One more time in case all the other 50 posts and same comments haven’t been seen yet!! Bo*b threat!!… Cue shitty comments. 3…2…1 and Go!!” – Victoria Carey
Others speculated about safety and motives:
“Great idea for a mass shooter—get everyone outside then drive by and open fire,” warned one commenter, drawing criticism and concern in equal measure.
“Just look up Jonesboro Arkansas school shooting,” another replied, referencing past tragedies.
The event clearly rattled many, even after the all-clear was given.
TPD Confirms No Device Found
The Topeka Police Department has not released details about the caller or any suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
For now, this incident is another reminder of the “see something, say something” culture we live in—and how social media can become both an emergency alert system and a public square for argument, speculation, and some much-needed humor:
“The bright side is that no one was hurt and maybe workers received an extra break,” joked Marion Key.
