In a moment of sheer bravery, Derrick Perry, a Traverse City, Michigan, resident, stepped up to confront a violent attacker during a mass stabbing at a local Walmart on Saturday, July 26, 2025. As chaos erupted inside the store, with a 42-year-old man wielding a folding knife and injuring 11 people, Perry acted decisively, running toward the danger while others fled.
The incident began around 4:45 p.m. near the checkout area of the Walmart in Garfield Township, Traverse City. The suspect, a Michigan resident, stabbed 11 individuals—six men and five women—in what authorities described as a random act of violence. Six of the victims were in critical condition, and five were in serious condition, with three undergoing surgery at Munson Medical Center, the region’s largest hospital. No fatalities were reported, and by Sunday morning, seven victims were listed in fair condition, with four remaining in serious condition.
Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of panic as shoppers and employees scrambled to safety. Tiffany DeFell, a 36-year-old from Honor, Michigan, described the terror in the parking lot: “It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out. This is something you see out of the movies.” Anna Luke, a 20-year-old Walmart employee, recalled hearing shouts of “someone’s got a knife” as she fled the store. Another witness, 30-year-old Martell, saw the attacker shoving and stabbing people, leaving “blood everywhere” near the frozen food section.
Amid the chaos, Derrick Perry, shopping with his family, emerged as a hero. According to reports, Perry, a Marine veteran with security training, confronted the suspect without hesitation. Security footage captured him using a store shelf as cover before lunging at the attacker, tackling him to the ground, and disarming him. Witnesses praised his courage, with one shopper noting, “Everyone was running away, but Derrick ran toward the danger. He didn’t even blink.” Perry restrained the suspect until a sheriff’s deputy arrived within three minutes of the initial 911 call, taking the attacker into custody without further incident.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea credited “citizen involvement” for helping apprehend the suspect and treat victims, specifically highlighting Perry’s actions. Traverse City Police Chief Lauren Gilbert stated, “Had he not stepped in when he did, the situation could’ve turned much worse.” The suspect, whose identity has not been released, acted alone, and authorities found no evidence of additional suspects or a specific motive. The Michigan State Police Crime Lab and the FBI are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
The attack shocked Traverse City, a small community of about 16,000 known for its cherry festival, wineries, and scenic Lake Michigan coastline. Sheriff Shea called the violence “very uncommon” for the area, urging residents to remain vigilant. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her grief, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response.” Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a Traverse City resident, also shared his condolences, saying, “Chasten and I are shaken by the awful and senseless violence. We’re praying for a speedy recovery for all those injured.”
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.” The company is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
In the aftermath, the Traverse City community has rallied to support the victims, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to aid their recovery. Local officials are planning to honor Derrick Perry with a community hero award for his selfless actions. As the city begins to heal, Perry’s courage stands as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make in a moment of crisis.