Mass Stabbing at Traverse City Walmart Leaves Multiple Injured; Suspect in Custody

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — July 26, 2025 — A terrifying act of violence erupted Saturday afternoon inside the Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City when a 42-year-old man launched a random stabbing spree, injuring at least eleven people before police swiftly apprehended him. The shocking incident unfolded just before 5 p.m., sending shoppers and staff into panic and prompting a massive emergency response.

According to authorities and eyewitness accounts, the suspect entered the Walmart located at Crossing Circle and began attacking shoppers indiscriminately with a knife. Chaos quickly ensued as customers fled, some suffering serious injuries.

Within minutes, Traverse City Police officers, aided by county emergency medical teams, arrived on scene. The suspect was taken into custody without any shots fired. Law enforcement declared a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident, deploying all Advanced Life Support units countywide to assist the wounded.

Among the eleven victims were an elderly woman and a child, several of whom sustained life-threatening injuries requiring immediate medical intervention, including tourniquets applied by first responders.

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes inside the store. Shopper Tasha Nash told Channel2 NOW, “The whole store started screaming and running. There was a guy with a knife — he stabbed six people. I saw a man stabbed in the eye.”

Another witness, Kathryn Ann Clark, clarified rumors of gunfire, stating, “It WAS a stabbing. No shots were fired.” She recounted how her friend’s son and another shopper courageously subdued the attacker, helping prevent further harm.

A Walmart employee confirmed victims were found scattered throughout multiple departments, with some reportedly going into cardiac arrest amid the chaos. Bystander Amber Paull described the attacker as “losing it” and targeting random shoppers in the produce and grocery aisles. She also spoke of a bystander who attempted to intervene with a firearm but was urged to flee for safety.

Traverse City Police have not yet released the suspect’s name or motive but confirmed he remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the full sequence of events.

Traverse City, about 125 miles north of Grand Rapids, is grappling with the aftermath of this unprecedented act of violence. Grand Traverse 911 issued a public advisory asking residents to avoid the Walmart area, assuring there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Community leaders and residents have expressed deep sorrow and called for unity as they support the victims and their families.