Traverse City Walmart Attack Leaves 11 Injured; Suspect in Custody
Eleven people were injured Saturday afternoon in a stabbing attack at the Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, authorities reported. The 42‑year‑old suspect allegedly entered the store alone and attacked shoppers at random before being subdued, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. ET when the suspect began his assault with a folding knife inside the checkout area. He remained inside the store for approximately 35 minutes, entering at about 4:10 p.m., before the attacks began. Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea confirmed that the assault appeared to be random, stating that the suspect “acted alone.”
The victims, a mix of five men and six women aged 29 to 84, included a Walmart employee. Munson Medical Center reported that six victims were in critical condition, while the remainder were in serious condition; all are expected to survive.
Several bystanders and employees joined officials in responding to the attack. A sheriff’s deputy arrived moments later and, with the help of civilians, detained the suspect in the parking lot using non‑lethal force. One of the shoppers who confronted the suspect, ex‑Marine Derrick Perry, was armed and ordered him to relinquish the weapon, holding him at gunpoint until police arrived. Perry has been widely praised for preventing further harm.
Local officials have not identified a motive. The Grand Traverse County Prosecutor, Noelle Moeggenberg, stated the suspect will be charged with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. The terrorism charge reflects the broader fear and impact the incident had on the community. The suspect’s past includes prior assault and substance‑related violations.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer offered her condolences to those affected, calling the event a “brutal act of violence.” She also expressed gratitude for first responders and praised the swift action of ordinary citizens. Walmart issued a statement condemning the violence, pledging full cooperation with investigators and commending the quick response of emergency teams.
The assault took place in a city of roughly 16,000 residents on northern Michigan’s Lake Michigan coastline—a region better known for its scenic vistas, cherry festivals and tourism rather than violent crime.
The FBI has joined state and local law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have emphasized there is no indication of additional suspects, and they expect formal charges and arraignment proceedings to move forward early next week.