TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A horrific mass stabbing unfolded Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2025, at the Walmart Supercenter on Crossing Circle in Traverse City, Michigan, leaving 11 people injured, six in critical condition. The attack, described as random by authorities, sparked chaos in the bustling retail hub and prompted a swift response from law enforcement and courageous bystanders.
The incident began just before 5:00 p.m. when a 42-year-old Michigan man, armed with a folding knife, entered the store and began stabbing shoppers near the checkout area. The attack spread across multiple departments, with victims suffering severe injuries, including wounds to the face and chest. Munson Healthcare, the regional medical provider, confirmed that 11 victims were treated at Munson Medical Center, with six in critical condition and five in serious condition. Three of the victims required immediate surgery.
Witnesses described a scene of panic as shoppers fled for their lives. Julia Martell, a shopper in the canned vegetables aisle, recounted hearing screams and seeing a man with a knife running through the pharmacy section, shoving and stabbing people. Tasha Nash, a Walmart employee, reported seeing a victim stabbed in the eye, with blood trails marking several aisles. Another eyewitness, Tiffany DeFell, was in the parking lot when chaos erupted, describing the scene as “really scary” and “like something out of the movies.”
The suspect was apprehended within three minutes of the first 911 call, thanks to the rapid response of a sheriff’s deputy and the bravery of civilians. Video footage captured four men confronting the suspect in the parking lot, one of whom aimed a firearm at the attacker, ordering him to drop his weapon. The suspect complied, placing the knife on the ground before being taken into custody. Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea praised the “citizen involvement” that helped end the attack, noting, “Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn’t more.”
Sheriff Shea confirmed the suspect acted alone and described the stabbings as random, with no indication that the victims—six men and five women—were specifically targeted. The suspect’s identity has not been released, and authorities have not disclosed a motive, pending further investigation. The Michigan State Police Crime Lab is processing the scene, and the FBI is providing support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office.
Munson Healthcare reported an “increased volume” of patients in its Emergency Department, emphasizing its coordination with local authorities to provide care. The hospital expressed gratitude to first responders and urged patience from the public as staff managed the crisis. Walmart issued a statement condemning the violence: “Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the incident on social media, calling it a “brutal act of violence” and expressing gratitude for the rapid response that apprehended the suspect. Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a Traverse City resident, also shared his shock, stating, “Along with the whole Traverse City community, Chasten and I are shaken by the awful and senseless violence at Walmart earlier today.”
The attack has stunned Traverse City, a picturesque community of about 16,000 on the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its cherry festival, wineries, and tourism. Located 125 miles north of Grand Rapids, the city is unaccustomed to such violence, which Sheriff Shea noted is “very uncommon for our area.” He urged the public to remain vigilant, stating, “No area is immune to this kind of activity. If you see something, call 911.”
Grand Traverse 911 issued a public alert advising residents to avoid the Crossing Circle area during the ongoing investigation. Authorities have confirmed there is no further threat to the public. The Walmart remains closed as investigators review surveillance footage and interview witnesses to piece together the sequence of events.
Anyone with information or video footage is urged to contact the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking act of violence.