Stabbing at Traverse City Walmart Shocks Michigan Community
When routine shopping turned into a scene of terror, Traverse City residents grappled with the aftermath and rallied behind heroes who intervened. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, a 42-year-old man allegedly armed with a folding knife randomly stabbed 11 people inside the Walmart Supercenter on Garfield Road in Traverse City, Michigan. Six victims were placed in critical condition and five in serious condition at Munson Medical Center.
A Peaceful Afternoon Shattered
At approximately 4:45 p.m., the attacker entered the store’s checkout area and began stabbing shoppers at random. Video footage and eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as customers screamed and fled. “It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out. This is something you see out of the movies,” recalled Tiffany DeFell, who witnessed the violence from the parking lot.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea arrived on scene within minutes of the 911 call. “Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn’t more,” he said, confirming that a single suspect was in custody and no evidence suggests additional assailants.
Heroes Among Us: Derrick Perry and Good Samaritans
As the assailant continued his rampage, bystanders sprang into action. Security-trained shopper Derrick Perry lunged toward the attacker, wrestled him to the ground, and held him until law enforcement arrived. Perry’s bravery likely prevented further bloodshed inside the Walmart Supercenter.
Other civilians assisted similarly in the parking lot, tackling the suspect and disarming him. Some witnesses even used their own bodies as shields to protect fleeing victims.
Profile of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Walmart Supercenter, 2828 US-31 South, Traverse City, MI |
| Date & Time | Saturday, July 26, 2025, ~4:45 p.m. |
| Victims | 11 stabbed (6 critical, 5 serious) – ages not disclosed; treated at Munson Medical Center |
| Suspect | 42-year-old Michigan resident (name not released); used a folding-style knife; believed to have acted alone |
| Arrest & Custody | Taken into custody by Sheriff’s Deputy and multiple civilians; no longer a threat |
| Response | Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office; Michigan State Police; FBI assisting |
| Community Reaction & Statements |
Governor Gretchen Whitmer: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act.” Pete Buttigieg: “Shaken by the awful and senseless violence.” |
Community and Official Responses
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims and gratitude for first responders’ swift action.
- FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed bureau personnel were on site to support the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office.
- Walmart pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation.
Residents of Traverse City — known for its cherry festival, wineries, and lakeshore attractions — were jolted by an act of violence rarely seen in their safe Midwestern community. As local businesses and churches organized blood drives and counseling services, the town united in grief and gratitude for everyday heroes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is Derrick Perry?
Derrick Perry is the shopper who subdued the stabbing suspect inside the Traverse City Walmart, using his security training to disarm and restrain the attacker until deputies arrived.
Q2: What weapons were used?
The suspect wielded a folding-style knife, which law enforcement recovered at the scene.
Q3: How can I stay informed on Traverse City news?
Local outlets such as Traverse City Record-Eagle, ClickOnDetroit, and official social media channels of the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office provide real-time updates on the investigation and community resources.
Traverse City Walmart stabbing remains under thorough investigation as authorities review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and seek potential motives. Meanwhile, the community honors both victims and the bravery of citizens who prevented a greater tragedy.