Overview
- A Walmart spokesperson said the claims are false and confirmed stores will remain open, noting the company is promoting in‑store Black Friday deals beginning Nov. 14.
- Viral TikTok and Facebook videos alleged doors would be locked starting Nov. 1 with only online or curbside options, with one TikTok surpassing 1.1 million views after an Oct. 22 post.
- Fact-checkers reported no company announcements or credible media reports supporting a closure and found the rumor lacks evidence.
- The USDA has warned that SNAP benefits would not be issued on Nov. 1 if the government shutdown persists, a risk that could affect about 42 million people and helped the false claim gain traction.
- Lead Stories identified screenshots tied to an unrelated Canadian letter referencing Lucas Gasparini and prank content, illustrating how out‑of‑context materials were used to fabricate credibility.