Traverse City Walmart Faces Lawsuit After July Store Stabbing, Worker Safety Questions Raised

Attorneys for Aaron Boudot filed a civil complaint on December 3 seeking $25,000 in damages from Walmart after Boudot was among 11 people stabbed at a Traverse City, Michigan Walmart on July 26. The complaint alleges store employees observed what plaintiffs describe as suspicious behavior, including a person carrying a large backpack and loitering, but did not take steps required by store safety procedures or notify law enforcement before the attack.

According to the filing, the suspect wandered through the store for more than 30 minutes before the assault. Boudot required emergency surgery and now suffers nerve damage and loss of use in his right wrist and hand. The complaint names both the attacker and Walmart as defendants and argues that the retailer had a duty to protect customers and associates by addressing the observed conduct.

Walmart issued a brief statement in response, saying "customer and associate safety is a top priority and that it will review the complaint once it is served and respond appropriately in court." The company has not publicly outlined any immediate operational changes tied to the lawsuit.

The case underscores the complex responsibilities large retailers face in balancing open access with safety. For hourly associates who staff front end and floor positions, the suit highlights how unclear expectations, training gaps, or slow escalation can leave workers and customers vulnerable. If the complaint proceeds, discovery will likely probe store logs, surveillance footage, employee training records, and internal policies that govern how and when staff escalate suspicious behavior to management or police.

Beyond legal exposure, the litigation may have practical consequences for store operations. Managers may face pressure to tighten loitering protocols, increase monitoring, or alter engagement practices with people who appear suspicious. Associates could see changes to training and reporting procedures as the company seeks to avoid similar incidents and litigation.

As the complaint moves through the courts, the outcome could influence how retailers nationwide calibrate security procedures and allocate responsibility for in store safety between corporate policy and hourly staff.