Gang initiation rumors untrue.An e-mail and text message warning that women at Walmarts across the country are at risk sparked concern locally today.
Although The Gazette has not received the e-mail, a check of reputable Web sites indicates that what is circulating is a variation of a message that began in 2005.
According to urbanlegends.about.com, one version of the text circulating reads, "FWD: Police are asking all women not to go to any Walmart tonight there is a gang iniation and three women will be shot this is not a joke pls foward."
Snopes.com says the supposed killings will take place in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, TExas, Utah, Virginia or Washington.
The e-mail and texts often contain an introduction that indicates the author has heard of this from someone in law enforcement.
According to Snopes, the rumors began in Memphis in 2005.
Original Source : http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2009/mar/19/gang_initiation_rumors_untrue/
