Walmart Slasher Targets Bodies instead of Bargains; Armed Customer Bags Him
Eleven shoppers were stabbed in a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan in what authorities are describing as a potential terrorist attack. One armed shopper confronted the attacker in the parking lot, helping to detain him before police arrived. Stephen Willeford—known nationwide as the “good guy with a gun” who stopped the shooter in Sutherland Springs—offers crucial insight into civilians responding under pressure, the psychology of armed intervention, and how legal and moral frameworks intersect in moments of chaos.
Willeford, who intervened without hesitation during the 2017 massacre, understands what it takes to act decisively in a dire threat scenario. His cameo in this story speaks volumes: when regular shoppers—some unarmed—stepped in alongside an armed bystander, they prevented further carnage. He can explain the mindset of ordinary people who find themselves forced into extraordinary action, and how bystanders can turn the tide in minutes.
Stephen Willeford is available to comment on:
- The split-second decision to confront a violent assailant: fear, training, and instinct.
- The impact of armed civilians in public safety—when and how their intervention can save lives.
- Legal and ethical considerations: the line between citizen defense and escalation.
- Comparisons to Sutherland Springs and what authorities learned—or failed to.
What communities need to know about preparedness, awareness, and response in retail settings.
Terrorism charges and intent to murder allegations underscore how a random knife attack transcends ordinary violence. With victims aged 29 to 84—some in critical condition—Willeford’s voice offers gravitas and credibility. Newsrooms covering terrorism, gun policy, public safety, or civic heroism can use him as a powerful expert voice to frame the Walmart attack as more than crime: a moment where individual courage met communal threat.
Willeford can be booked quickly for TV, radio, podcast, or print interviews.
A spokesman for the Gun Owners of America – either Stephen Willeford or Mark Jones – joins us now to discuss its growing significance and why fans of the community won’t want to miss it!
Relevant Article(s):
Michigan authorities seek to file terrorism charges in Walmart stabbing attack
Video shows bystanders surround suspect in Walmart parking lot after stabbing rampage
Q&A:
- What goes through a person’s mind when deciding whether to intervene in a violent attack like the one in Michigan?
- How does your own experience in Sutherland Springs compare to what we saw unfold in the Walmart stabbing?
- Do you believe armed civilians play a crucial role in stopping mass attacks, especially in soft targets like retail stores?
- What kind of preparation—mental, legal, or physical—should a responsible gun owner have before stepping into a crisis?
- Could more trained, law-abiding citizens with concealed carry help reduce casualties in these kinds of events?
- How can we better educate the public on how to respond to active threats, whether or not they’re armed?
- What would you say to critics who fear that encouraging civilian intervention could lead to chaos or accidental harm?
- Do you believe law enforcement and the justice system sufficiently recognize the value of armed bystanders in preventing further tragedy?
They can visit the official website here.
- FOR STEPHEN: You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, revolving around your 2017 “hero with a gun” situation. Tell us more about how this came together, and why it’s such an important read right now.
- FOR STEPHEN: Where can people find your book?
- FOR MARK: Tell us more about the Hunter Outreach program.
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
- You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
About Mark Jones…
Mark Jones is National Director for the Gun Owners of America and also directs the National Hunter Outreach Program across the United States. He also manages legislative responsibilities in Wyoming and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist.
Mark built GOA’s National Hunter Outreach Program almost four years ago after retiring from his first career as a Big Game and Small Game Biologist. Mark has nearly three decades of experience performing wildlife research, publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, managing wildlife resources, working with hunters and recreational shooters, and engaging in legislative issues with governmental policy.
Mark has been very active in helping GOA take on a national role in protecting the American Hunting Traditions. He is also well known in the Legislature and political circles where he has worked to pass a variety of pro-Second Amendment and pro-hunting Legislation in recent years.
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