11 Injured in Random Knife Attack at Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan

Chaos at Walmart: Knife Attack Leaves 11 Injured in Traverse City, Michigan

A shocking act of violence unfolded on Saturday, July 26, 2025, when a man randomly stabbed multiple people inside a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. According to authorities, 11 individuals were injured in the assault, which took place near the store's checkout area.

The attacker, identified as a 42-year-old Michigan resident, was swiftly taken into custody by law enforcement, thanks in part to brave intervention from bystanders at the scene.

⚠️ What We Know So Far About the Traverse City Walmart Stabbing

At a press conference, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea confirmed that the attack appears to have been random, with no indication of additional suspects or a targeted motive.

“It appears that these were all random acts,” Sheriff Shea said. “There’s no information suggesting the suspect had accomplices.”

Authorities reported that the weapon used was a folding knife-style blade, commonly available and small enough to conceal.

🏥 Victim Condition and Hospital Response

All 11 victims of the Walmart knife attack are being treated by Munson Healthcare, a major hospital system in northern Michigan. According to an official post on their Facebook page:

6 victims are in critical condition
5 victims are in serious condition

A spokesperson from Munson confirmed that every victim had suffered stab wounds. Three of the most critically injured patients required immediate surgery, according to the sheriff.

👥 Citizens Stepped In to Help Stop the Attacker

Eyewitness video footage obtained by CNN shows shoppers confronting the suspect in the Walmart parking lot, yelling at him to “drop the knife” and “get on the ground.” The suspect was ultimately subdued with the help of civilians before police arrived.

The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the public's involvement in both detaining the attacker and helping treat the wounded before emergency services arrived.

🕵️ Ongoing Investigation and Law Enforcement Presence

Michigan State Police are on-site to process the crime scene.
FBI agents are assisting local authorities with the investigation.
The Walmart store is temporarily closed but will reopen once cleared by investigators.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer shared her condolences on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. I am grateful for the swift action of our first responders.”

💬 Reactions from the Community and Officials

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who lives in Traverse City with husband Chasten and their children, also expressed sorrow over the incident:

“Chasten and I are deeply shaken by today’s senseless act of violence. We’re praying for the recovery of all those injured.”

A Walmart corporate spokesperson condemned the violence, saying:

“This kind of violence is unacceptable. We’re grateful to first responders and are cooperating fully with investigators.”

📌 Location and Local Impact

Traverse City, located about 140 miles north of Grand Rapids, is known for its peaceful community. According to Sheriff Shea, such violent acts are rare in the area, but he urged locals to remain cautious:

“Unfortunately, no place is immune to this kind of violence. We ask everyone to stay alert.”

📝 Final Words

This mass stabbing at Walmart in Traverse City serves as a grim reminder that violence can strike even in quiet communities. The suspect is in custody, and law enforcement continues to investigate the motives behind this tragic incident.

Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation unfolds.