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3d ago

Police Warn of Online Looting Threats Targeting Walmart as SNAP Pause Nears

Law enforcement cites social media posts urging coordinated thefts following USDA guidance that November benefits may not be issued.

NYP: Police on Alert After Online Threats Target Walmart, NYC Grocers Over SNAP Payment Halt
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Protesters looting a gas station store during immigration protest on June 7, 2025 in Paramount, California. Clashes between the U.S. Border Patrol and protestors began after a Home Depot was raided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Around 30 agents wearing tactical gear were stationed near a Home Depot in Paramount and faced off against protesters, south of downtown Los Angeles.(Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that Walmart and other New York City–area grocers were threatened with mass looting after SNAP benefits are set to lapse on Saturday.
  • Posts on TikTok and Facebook have urged groups to organize thefts as the payment gap approaches, according to the reporting.
  • A TikTok user identified as hersheyykissess1 called for people to gather at Walmart on November 3 and leave with full carts an hour later.
  • Police advised retailers beyond Walmart to remain extra vigilant for theft next week, with Food Bazaar also cited in online threats.
  • USDA has warned there are insufficient funds to issue full November SNAP payments to about 42 million people due to the federal shutdown.