Weekend shoppers at a busy Culver City Costco saw their cart runs cut short Saturday after a phoned-in shooting threat triggered a full evacuation of the warehouse and parking lot. Customers and employees were rushed outside while police swept the building. No injuries were reported, and the store later reopened.
Culver City police told MyNewsLA that the trouble started around 10:45 a.m., when a caller told a store worker that a shooting would take place within 15 minutes at the Costco in the 13400 block of Washington Boulevard. Officers coordinated with store management to clear the warehouse while they investigated. After checking the scene, detectives determined the threat was not credible, according to the department.
The call still set off a major response. As reported by AOL, Culver City police said they are treating the incident as a likely hoax commonly known as "swatting" and planned to keep an increased police presence in the area through the day. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Culver City police at (310) 253-6202 or leave an anonymous tip with L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Why swatting is treated as a serious threat
Swatting, false emergency reports made to draw a heavy armed police response, can put both bystanders and officers at risk while tying up 911 lines and patrol units that might be needed elsewhere. The U.S. Department of Justice has brought a series of swatting prosecutions in recent years. In one 2024 case, a defendant received a multi-year federal prison sentence for an extensive swatting campaign.
Recent pattern in Culver City
This latest call fits into a troubling pattern of threats in Culver City this month. On April 18, officers responded to a separate report of a possible shooting at Westfield Culver City and searched for a suspect, according to NBC Los Angeles.
What to watch next
Culver City police say they are still working to track down the origin of Saturday's call and will keep an elevated presence around the warehouse while the investigation continues. The Costco at 13463 Washington Blvd later reopened and returned to normal operations, according to Costco's website.
