Traverse City Walmart Stabbing: Here’s Exactly What Happened, Minute by Minute

Saturday, July 26, 2025, began like any other summer afternoon in Traverse City, Michigan. Families were grocery shopping, tourists were browsing the aisles, and employees at the Walmart on US-31 were working their shifts. But within minutes, everything changed. What started as an ordinary day turned into one of the most terrifying acts of violence the town has ever witnessed — a mass stabbing that left 11 people hospitalized, some in critical condition.

Now that police have pieced together witness accounts and video footage, we can better understand how the Traverse City Walmart stabbing unfolded — moment by moment.

4:43 PM — The Suspect Enters Walmart

At 4:43 p.m., a 42-year-old Michigan man entered the Walmart in Traverse City through the main entrance. Surveillance footage shows him walking in alone, carrying a small backpack. Employees reported that he didn’t seem suspicious — no shouting, no erratic behavior. He blended in with the crowd.

Unknown to everyone around him, he was carrying a folding knife tucked in his pocket.

4:44 PM — The First Attack Near the Checkout Area

Within one minute of entering, the man made his way toward the self-checkout lanes near the front of the store. That’s where the first violent act occurred. Without warning, he lunged at a female shopper, stabbing her in the back and shoulder.

Panic erupted immediately. Some shoppers screamed and ran, while others stood frozen in shock. The attacker turned and stabbed a second person nearby — a teenage boy trying to shield his younger sister. (I feel this person is full phsyco, maybe has some mental problem)

4:45 PM — Chaos and Courage

By this point, the suspect was moving quickly and erratically, stabbing anyone in his path. In total, 11 people were wounded in under two minutes. Shoppers abandoned carts, fled down aisles, or took cover behind displays.

But amid the terror, heroes emerged. A former Marine tackled the suspect near a customer service kiosk, grappling with him in a desperate attempt to disarm him. Meanwhile, store employees began ushering people to exits, and others grabbed first aid kits.

4:46 PM — 911 Calls Flood Dispatch

Multiple calls hit Grand Traverse County dispatch at once. Shoppers and employees described the scene as a "mass stabbing," begging for help and paramedics. Dispatchers sent the closest units available — including deputies, EMS, and fire personnel.

The 911 calls reportedly described “blood everywhere,” “people screaming,” and a man stabbing at random.”

4:47 PM — First Deputy Arrives

A Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputy arrived on scene just four minutes after the attack began. Thanks to quick radioing from Walmart staff, he was directed to the suspect’s location near the front of the store.

By this time, the suspect was restrained by civilians, including the Marine and two other shoppers. The deputy took the man into custody without further struggle.

4:48 PM – 5:00 PM — Emergency Response and Victim Care

Police secured the store. EMS teams began triaging the wounded — six victims were classified as critical, five as serious. Tourniquets were applied. Pressure was held. Makeshift bandages were made from clothing and paper towels.

Walmart was immediately locked down, and all customers were asked to exit through the garden center side, away from the crime scene.

Aftermath: A Town in Shock, A Nation Paying Attention

In under five minutes, a quiet store became the center of a national tragedy. The Traverse City Walmart stabbing is now one of the most disturbing mass stabbings in recent Michigan memory.

The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, is currently in custody and facing multiple felony charges. The FBI and state police are assisting in the investigation. Officials have said the attack appears to be random, with no signs of terrorism or premeditated targeting.

What We Know Now

• 11 people stabbed — including men, women, and one teenager.
• 6 in critical condition, 5 in serious but stable condition.
• Suspect is a 42-year-old Michigan man, acting alone.
• Attack lasted approx. 3 minutes from first strike to restraint.
• Civilians and store staff helped stop the attacker.
• Walmart has closed the store indefinitely as the investigation continues.

Community Healing Begins

In the hours following the tragedy, residents held candlelight vigils, and local businesses offered support to the victims’ families. Traverse City, though shaken, is coming together with resilience.

Law enforcement praised the civilians who stepped in and credited them with preventing further loss of life. These were people who, in the face of danger, acted with instinct, bravery, and humanity.

Final Thoughts

The Traverse City Walmart stabbing wasn’t just a violent incident — it was a test of community, courage, and response. The chilling timeline reveals how quickly tragedy can strike, but also how human courage can rise just as fast.

This is not just a timeline — it’s a tribute to those who helped, and a reminder to never underestimate the power of everyday people in extraordinary moments.