Eleven people were injured in a stabbing incident at Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, on Saturday afternoon, which police indicated seemed to be a random attack.
Around 4:45pm, a 42-year-old man entered the store and used a folding knife to stab people, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office said.
A sheriff’s deputy quickly arrived at the scene and detained the alleged attacker, with assistance from shoppers who helped restrain the suspect and provide aid to the victims, according to the sheriff’s office.
‘Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn´t more,’ Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters.
‘The victims were not predetermined,’ Shea said, adding that the suspect, a Michigan resident, apparently acted alone.
Shea reported that the weapon used appeared to be a foldable knife. He mentioned that the suspect is thought to be a resident of Michigan but did not offer additional information. Earlier, Michigan State Police had confirmed that the suspect was under arrest.
Witnesses say shoppers fled for their lives as they ran from inside the Walmart Supercenter on Crossing Circle just after 5pm.
Six victims were in critical condition late on Saturday, and five were in serious condition, Munson Healthcare said in a statement.
Walmart employees and customers wait outside while law enforcement investigates the scene after a stabbing incident in Traverse City, Michigan on Saturday
Witnesses say shoppers fled for their lives after a suspect brandished a knife inside the Walmart Supercenter on Crossing Circle just after 5pm
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said the suspect, a 42-year-old Michigan resident, apparently acted alone
Local media reported three victims were undergoing surgery, citing police. The victims included six men and five women. The victims’ ages weren’t immediately released.
A suspect is in custody, and police have not indicated a possible motive.
Emergency vehicles and uniformed first responders gathered in the parking lot of the shopping center that houses several other retail stores.
Police were seen interviewing workers from the supermarket across the street following the incident. Many were seen still wearing their Walmart overalls.
One eyewitness posted to X how the incident occurred near the pharmacy counter, and many of the victims were said to be elderly.
Tiffany DeFell, 36, who lives in Honor, about 25 miles from Traverse City, said she was in the store’s parking lot when she saw chaos erupt around her.
‘It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out,’ she said. ‘This is something you see out of the movies. It’s not what you expect to see where you’re living.’
Another eyewitness Julia Martell said she heard screaming and saw a man with a knife running through the store’s pharmacy section.
Emergency services were quickly in attendance following the incident on Saturday afternoon
Grand Traverse Sheriff’s deputies tape off the parking lot of a Walmart after a stabbing incident
Martell told the New York Times she saw the man shoving and stabbing people as he moved through the store.
The 30-year-old also witnessed three people with stab wounds and described seeing ‘blood everywhere.’
Shea said the stabbing spree initially started near the checkout area of the store.
‘It is very uncommon for our area,’ he said of the violence.
First responders were seen applying tourniquets at the scene.
Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino said his personnel were responding to the ordeal and providing help to the Traverse County Sheriff’s Office.
Michigan State Police officers talk to employees near the scene after the stabbing incident
The stabbing victims were transported to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
‘Munson Healthcare is aware of the tragic incident that occurred earlier today at the Walmart in Traverse City,’ Munson Healthcare, which runs Munson Medical Center posted on social media.
‘Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event, and we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement for their swift action.’
The healthcare system said it is working with local authorities and emergency services to ‘ensure the best possible care for those impacted.’
Additionally, it said it is ‘currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients.’
The Michigan State Police released a statement regarding the incident: ‘Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a multiple stabbing incident at the Walmart in Traverse City. The suspect is in custody, details are limited at this time.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said her office was in contact with police about the ‘horrible news.’
Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect,’ Whitmer said.
Police were seen interviewing workers from the supermarket across the street following the incident. Many were seen still wearing their Walmart overalls
Walmart said in a statement that it would continue to work closely with law enforcement in the investigation.
‘Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we´re thankful for the swift action of first responders,’ the statement said.
Officials say there is no longer any danger to the public at this time.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area as the investigation remained ongoing, state police said.
Traverse City is a popular vacation spot on the coast of Lake Michigan.
It is known for its cherry festival, wineries and lighthouses and is about 25 miles east of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
