MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A tense and terrifying incident unfolded Thursday afternoon at the Walmart located at 8400 Highway 64 in Bartlett, Tennessee, when gunfire erupted inside the store, sending shoppers and employees into panic and prompting a swift, large-scale law enforcement response.

The sound of gunshots inside one of the area’s busiest retail locations turned a routine afternoon into a scene of chaos, confusion, and fear. It was a moment no one expected—what began as a typical shopping day quickly transformed into an emergency situation as frightened customers and workers scrambled for safety amid the sound of gunfire.

A Sudden Outbreak of Violence

The shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m., according to the Bartlett Police Department (BPD), when officers received reports of an active shooter at the Walmart location just off Highway 64. Within minutes, law enforcement descended on the scene. Officers were seen with weapons drawn, moving swiftly into position as they secured entrances, evacuated shoppers, and searched for the suspect.

Those inside the store at the time described a chaotic scene. Shoppers screamed, dropped their carts, and fled for the exits. Some ran to the back of the store, seeking shelter in storage rooms and employee areas. Workers, trained in emergency procedures, acted quickly to guide people to safety and lock down the premises.

Many who witnessed the event said the sound of the shots was unmistakable. One customer reported hearing several loud bangs near the electronics section, prompting people around them to duck or run. “It was surreal,” the customer said. “I thought it was something falling at first, but then I saw people running, and I knew something was really wrong.”

Law Enforcement Response

The Bartlett Police Department responded rapidly, with officers arriving on the scene within minutes of the initial 911 call. Their quick action was key in preventing further escalation. BPD officers, supported by Shelby County deputies and nearby law enforcement agencies, coordinated a thorough sweep of the store, working to ensure there were no additional threats or hidden suspects.

By 2:50 p.m., the police confirmed that the scene was secure and that one individual had been taken into custody without further incident. Authorities quickly reassured the public that the suspect had acted alone and that there was no ongoing threat. No additional suspects are being sought at this time.

The identity of the suspect has not yet been publicly released, and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Police have confirmed that they are reviewing security footage and conducting interviews with witnesses and employees as part of their inquiry.

Eyewitness Accounts

For those who were present at the time, the events will not soon be forgotten. Witnesses described a mix of shock and fear as they heard the gunfire and scrambled to figure out what was happening. Some were separated from their families in the panic, while others attempted to help those who were disoriented or struggling to find an exit.

“I just grabbed my kids and ran,” one mother said. “I didn’t know where the shots were coming from, and I didn’t look back. People were yelling and crying—it was terrifying.”

Others credited Walmart employees with maintaining calm and helping usher people to safety. One shopper described an employee who opened an emergency exit and helped a group of about 20 people get out of the building. “He didn’t hesitate,” the shopper said. “He just said, ‘This way, go now,’ and we followed him.”

Social media was quickly filled with posts from concerned loved ones checking on friends and relatives who may have been inside the store. Many shared real-time updates, videos of the law enforcement presence, and messages of gratitude that the situation was contained without further loss of life.

Aftermath and Investigation

As police continued their investigation, the Walmart was closed to the public. Crime scene tape surrounded the parking lot, and evidence markers were visible near the entrance and inside the store. Investigators began conducting a detailed search of the premises, including forensic analysis, witness interviews, and the collection of surveillance footage.

Officials have confirmed that no fatalities were reported as a result of the incident, though at least one individual was treated for minor injuries believed to have occurred while fleeing the scene. Police have not disclosed the number of shots fired or the type of weapon recovered.

Bartlett Police Chief Jeff Cox praised the professionalism of his officers and the cooperation of store employees and customers. “We train for moments like these, hoping we’ll never face them,” he said during a brief press conference. “I’m proud of how our team responded. We were able to secure the area quickly and prevent what could have been a much more tragic situation.”

He also encouraged anyone with additional information, video, or photos of the incident to come forward. “Even the smallest detail can help us understand what happened and why,” he noted.

Community Reaction

The shooting has left the Bartlett community shaken. While there have been isolated incidents of violence in the region, an active shooter inside a major retail store during peak shopping hours is rare—and deeply unsettling for local residents.

Community members have expressed both relief that the situation ended without further bloodshed and concern over the increasing frequency of gun-related incidents in public spaces. Many have voiced a renewed call for safety measures, mental health support, and more comprehensive strategies to prevent future violence.

Local leaders and advocacy groups have responded by offering support to those impacted and calling for unity in the wake of the traumatic event. “Today could have been so much worse,” one city council member said. “Let’s use this as a moment to come together and discuss real solutions. Everyone deserves to feel safe when they go to the store.”

The Walmart Corporation issued a brief statement expressing their gratitude for law enforcement and concern for those affected. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate the incident at our Bartlett store,” the statement read. “Our hearts are with our associates and customers. We are thankful for the swift response by local police, and we are providing support to those impacted.”

Mental Health and Trauma Support

In the hours following the incident, local organizations began offering crisis counseling and trauma support services to those present during the shooting. The sudden nature of the violence, combined with the fear and confusion of those trapped inside the store, can have long-lasting effects, especially on children and vulnerable individuals.

Experts emphasize the importance of seeking help after experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress can include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, and an ongoing sense of fear or unease. In response, area hospitals and mental health providers have opened hotlines and walk-in clinics for anyone needing assistance.

Faith-based organizations, school counselors, and civic groups are also stepping in to help provide comfort and resources to those affected.

A Wake-Up Call

For many, Thursday’s shooting was a wake-up call—a reminder that violence can erupt anywhere, even in the most routine and familiar settings. It has prompted renewed discussions about emergency preparedness, gun laws, and the need for preventive strategies.

Schools, businesses, and organizations are expected to revisit their safety protocols and emergency response training. Law enforcement officials encourage members of the public to remain aware of their surroundings, to report suspicious behavior, and to participate in community safety programs.

Though tragedy was narrowly averted, the emotional scars will linger. Residents and workers who were present may carry the memory of those terrifying moments for years to come.

Moving Forward

As the Bartlett community begins the process of healing and reflection, gratitude remains at the forefront—for the law enforcement officers who responded with speed and professionalism, for the store employees who helped others to safety, and for the fact that lives were spared.

But so too does the determination to prevent future incidents. Conversations about how to strengthen community resilience, improve access to mental health care, and reduce the likelihood of violence are already underway.

In the days to come, the Walmart location at Highway 64 will likely reopen—but things won’t feel quite the same for those who lived through the events of June 20, 2025. For them, a simple shopping trip became a brush with danger and a test of courage.

And for the city of Bartlett, the message is clear: vigilance, compassion, and unity will be the path forward from a day no one will forget.