A bomb threat called into the Palm Bay police department early Friday morning forced the evacuation of the Walmart Supercenter on Malabar Road. The threat, reported around 8 a.m., prompted a three-hour lockdown as officers searched the building. No explosives were found, and the store reopened at 11 a.m. after law enforcement cleared the area.
Police said the anonymous caller’s threat led to an immediate evacuation of customers and employees. The Brevard County sheriff’s bomb squad was also alerted and assisted in the search. The parking lot was closed during the investigation, but officials confirmed the building was safe by noon. No arrests had been made as of Friday afternoon, and authorities did not release further details about the caller.
The Walmart at 1040 Malabar Road remained closed to the public until 11 a.m. after the initial search. Employees were allowed to return to the store once officers completed their inspection. A spokesperson for the police department said the investigation was ongoing but did not expect to make any arrests related to the threat.
This is the second time this year that a Brevard County Walmart has faced a similar situation. In March, a false bomb threat at a nearby Walmart in Titusville led to a brief evacuation. Authorities in both cases emphasized that no devices were found and that the threats were likely hoaxes. Residents were advised to remain vigilant but not to panic.