ANCHORAGE, AK — A quiet evening turned chaotic Monday when gunfire erupted inside a Walmart store on 3101 A Street, sending shoppers and employees into panic. What began as a routine night of shopping quickly spiraled into a terrifying ordeal as multiple shots were fired, forcing hundreds to flee or take cover behind aisles and checkout counters. The Anchorage Police Department swiftly responded to what they described as an “active shooter situation.”
Authorities say the first 911 calls came in shortly after 6:30 p.m., reporting gunfire near the front entrance of the store. Within minutes, officers armed with rifles surrounded the building, while specialized tactical units entered through multiple access points to secure the area. Customers were evacuated in groups as officers moved methodically through each aisle, searching for the suspect and any potential victims.
According to preliminary reports, the shooting appeared to stem from a confrontation that escalated violently inside the store. Witnesses recounted hearing shouting before the sound of multiple gunshots echoed through the aisles. Several shoppers described scenes of chaos as frightened customers ran for the exits, leaving behind carts, personal belongings, and groceries in the rush to escape.
One witness said the fear was immediate and overwhelming. “You could hear people screaming and running. I just grabbed my kid and dropped to the floor,” she recalled. “It was pure panic — nobody knew where the shots were coming from or if the shooter was moving.” Store employees helped guide people toward emergency exits while others hid inside storage rooms until police cleared the scene.
Anchorage police later confirmed that one person was found with life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Officials have not yet released the victim’s name, pending notification of family members. Another individual sustained minor injuries while attempting to flee, though authorities have not determined whether they were directly struck by gunfire or injured in the chaos.
After approximately 40 minutes, officers declared the scene secure, confirming that the suspected shooter had fled before law enforcement arrived. Surveillance footage from Walmart’s extensive security system is now being reviewed as investigators work to identify the gunman. Police have urged anyone who witnessed the shooting or recorded cellphone footage to come forward with information.
Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle addressed the media late Monday, commending the quick response of officers and the cooperation of store staff and customers. “This could have been far worse,” he said. “Our officers acted decisively to ensure public safety, but we are still searching for the individual responsible for this senseless act of violence.”
In the aftermath, the store remained closed as investigators collected evidence, marked shell casings, and interviewed witnesses. The shooting has reignited community discussions about rising violent incidents in public spaces, even in cities like Anchorage that have historically maintained lower crime rates compared to other major metropolitan areas.
Local residents gathered outside the Walmart parking lot, some in shock, others in prayer. Many expressed frustration and fear over the growing number of shootings nationwide. “You don’t expect this to happen here,” one resident said. “It’s heartbreaking that a place where families shop for groceries can turn into a crime scene.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging calm and promising to bring the shooter to justice. Police are collaborating with state and federal agencies to track down leads, reviewing video evidence, and analyzing ballistic reports. For the Anchorage community, Monday’s violence served as a grim reminder of how quickly ordinary moments can turn tragic — and how resilience and unity are needed most in times of fear.