Traverse City Walmart Attack Leaves 11 Injured – What Happened?
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, a violent and shocking incident took place at a Walmart store in Garfield Township, just outside Traverse City, Michigan. Around 4:45 p.m., a 42-year‑old man entered the store and began randomly stabbing shoppers with a folding knife. The attack caused chaos and left eleven people injured.
The stabbing began in the checkout area and then spread through the store as the assailant struck without warning. Those nearby fled or huddled together in fear. Employees and customers witnessed the attacks and some tried to help the wounded while others worked together to stop the attacker.
A sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene within minutes of an emergency call. The deputy secured the suspect with the help of brave shoppers who intervened. According to authorities, the suspect acted alone, and there is no indication he targeted anyone specifically.
All eleven victims were taken to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Initially, six were reported in critical condition and five in serious condition. By the following morning, hospital officials reported that four remained serious while seven had improved to fair condition. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.
The sheriff of Grand Traverse County, Michael Shea, described the event as a rare and random act of violence in a community known for peace and calm. He reminded the public that no area is immune to such violence and urged people to stay aware and prepared. “Eleven is eleven too many but thank goodness it was not more,” he said.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a message on social media expressing sorrow for the victims and appreciation for the first responders. She said she was in touch with law enforcement and will stay updated as more details emerge.
Walmart also issued a statement condemning the violence, offering support to those harmed, and thanking the quick actions of customers, employees, and emergency teams. The company said it will cooperate fully with investigators.
The FBI is supporting the local investigation into the stabbing. Authorities are trying to learn the motive behind the attack and are looking into the suspect’s background. No information has been released about any prior criminal history or mental health issues.
Witnesses described the scene as terrifying. One woman who was in the parking lot, watching from outside, said she and her sister “were just freaking out”. Another person inside the store recalled people comforting the injured and chasing the suspect out. There were accounts of customers wrestling him to the ground in the parking lot before help arrived.
Local officials have asked people to avoid the Walmart and surrounding area while law enforcement and investigators continue their work. The store was quickly evacuated and remains closed pending a full review.
Traverse City, a community of about sixteen thousand people on the shores of Lake Michigan, is well-known for its natural beauty, tourism, cherry festival, and wineries. This kind of violent incident is extremely rare in this peaceful setting.
In the days ahead, officials plan to update the public when more is known about the attacker, the recovery of the wounded, and any motive behind this terrible act. For now, the priority is care for those affected and support for their families.
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