Man Intervenes to Stop Stabbing at Michigan Walmart

Heroic Shopper Tackles Attacker in Viral Walmart Stabbing

Traverse City, MI – A harrowing incident at a local Walmart on Sunday saw shoppers turn heroes, with one man’s bravery preventing further tragedy. A violent stabbing spree left 11 people injured, but the swift actions of a fellow shopper, identified as Matt Kolakowski, are being credited with stopping the attacker in his tracks.Kolakowski, who was shopping at the store with his brother-in-law Chris O’Brien, described the terrifying scene as the attacker, identified as 42-year-old Joshua Gille, began his assault. Despite the palpable fear in the air, Kolakowski didn’t hesitate.”I just went ahead,” he stated,his voice steady despite recounting the harrowing experience.

The victims, ranging in age from 29 to 84, included a Walmart employee. Authorities confirmed that all sustained injuries but were expected to survive. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, with many praising kolakowski’s courage in the face of extreme danger.

O’Brien, who captured the dramatic confrontation on video, described the scene as “crazy” and emphasized the impact of Kolakowski’s intervention. “It is his courage what is the craziest part. It was something worthy of witnessing,” he said, adding that Kolakowski’s speedy thinking likely saved lives. “A guy was stabbing people and we were the following on his list if we didn’t do something well,” O’Brien elaborated. “Matt was resolute to make sure he stopped there and then, and he certainly did.”

Authorities have revealed that Gille has a documented history of mental health issues and has faced numerous legal troubles in the Petoskey area since 2001. His past includes arrests and convictions for aggression and domestic violence.In 2017, Gille was found not guilty by reason of insanity after being charged with vandalizing a funeral vault and tomb markers in a Petoskey cemetery. Petoskey police had reportedly interacted with Gille twice in the days leading up to the stabbing, specifically concerning his housing situation.

The Petoskey Department of Public Safety had sought and obtained a court order on Friday to place Gille in protective custody, citing concerns for his own safety and that of others. However, they were unable to locate him until the attack in Traverse City occured.

Gille’s mother, Beverly Gille, spoke to the potoskey News-Review in 2007 about her son’s ongoing struggles with mental illness. at the time, she commended the efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary in trying to help him, noting how his condition improved when he adhered to his medication. “The problem is that your disease tells you that you are fine and that you don’t need to take your medication,” she explained.

During his court appearance on Monday, Gille appeared agitated and made statements suggesting he is homeless.He entered a plea of not guilty, and his bail was set at $100,000.

Kolakowski further detailed his observations of Gille during the incident, describing him as having “exorbitant eyes” and sweating profusely. He characterized the attacker’s demeanor as erratic and as if he were seeking a reason to justify his actions, saying, “bad, as if he were looking for an excuse to explain why he stabbed everyone.”

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the extraordinary courage that can emerge in ordinary citizens when faced with unthinkable circumstances. The actions of Matt Kolakowski undoubtedly made a profound difference, turning a potentially far worse tragedy into a story of remarkable resilience and heroism.

What strategies could individuals employ to safely interrupt an active attacker, as demonstrated in the Traverse City Walmart incident?

The Traverse City Walmart Attack: A Hero’s Actions

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, a harrowing incident unfolded at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. A man wielding a folding knife-style weapon attacked shoppers, injuring eleven people. While the situation was chaotic and terrifying, the swift thinking and bravery of one individual helped to de-escalate the violence and potentially save lives. This article details the events, the intervention, and the ongoing discussion surrounding public safety in retail environments. We’ll cover details of the traverse City stabbing, the Michigan Walmart attack, and the role of civilian intervention.

What Happened at the Traverse City Walmart?

According to reports from CNN https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/26/us/traverse-city-walmart-stabbing-michigan, the attack was described as “random.” The suspect began stabbing shoppers within the store, causing widespread panic.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details:

Date: July 26, 2025

Location: Walmart, Traverse City, Michigan

Weapon: folding knife-style weapon

injured: Eleven people

Motive: Currently unknown; described as a “random” attack.

Suspect: A male individual, now in custody.

Local authorities and emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing medical attention to the injured and securing the area. The incident prompted a large-scale police inquiry.

The Civilian Intervention: A Moment of Courage

Amidst the chaos, a man – whose name has not been widely released pending further investigation – intervened, confronting the attacker. Witnesses reported that the individual bravely attempted to subdue the suspect, ultimately disrupting the attack and allowing others to escape or assist.

Details surrounding the intervention are still emerging, but initial reports suggest the man’s actions were instrumental in preventing further injuries. This act of courage highlights the potential impact of civilian intervention in active threat situations. The intervention is being lauded as an example of heroic actions during a crisis.

Understanding Active Shooter/Attacker Scenarios & Civilian Response

The Traverse City incident underscores the growing concern surrounding active attacker events in public spaces. While often associated with firearms, attacks can involve various weapons, as seen in this case. Understanding how to respond in such situations is crucial.

Here are some key principles, often summarized by the “Run, Hide, Fight” methodology:

1. Run: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate immediately.
2. Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a secure hiding place out of the attacker’s view.
3. fight: As a last resort, and only when yoru life is in imminent danger, attempt to incapacitate the attacker using any available means.This is where self-defense and active shooter training become vital.

The man in Traverse City appears to have employed a form of the “Fight” principle, demonstrating remarkable bravery. However,it’s crucial to note that engaging an attacker carries significant risk and should only be considered as a final option.

The Role of Security in Retail Environments

The attack has reignited the debate about security measures in large retail stores like Walmart. While Walmart employs security personnel, the vast size of these stores makes complete security coverage challenging.

potential security enhancements include:

Increased Security Personnel: More visible security guards can deter potential attackers and provide a faster response.

Enhanced Surveillance Systems: Upgrading CCTV systems with advanced analytics can help identify suspicious behavior.

Active Shooter Training for Employees: Equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to respond to an active attacker situation.

Controlled Access Points: Limiting the number of entrances and exits can improve security control.

Metal detectors: While controversial, metal detectors could potentially prevent weapons from entering the store.

These measures aim to create a safer shopping environment and mitigate the risk of future incidents. The discussion also includes the role of loss prevention teams in identifying and reporting suspicious activity.

Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation

As of July 29, 2025, the suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack and gather further details about the events that transpired. The injured individuals are receiving medical care, and the Traverse City community is grappling with the aftermath of this traumatic event. The incident is prompting discussions about mental health resources and the need for early intervention programs.

Resources for Active Attacker Preparedness

department of Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter

FBI: https://www.fbi.gov/active-shooter

Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter