TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Chaos erupted at a Walmart in Michigan when a man suddenly stormed into the store during a peaceful afternoon shopping session, randomly stabbing 11 individuals, according to authorities. The incident on Saturday left six people critically injured, with the suspect now in custody.
The suspect, aged 42, entered the store shortly before 5 p.m. armed with a folding knife, proceeding to stab a total of 11 individuals, as reported by the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in a social media statement. A sheriff’s deputy responded swiftly, arriving within minutes to apprehend the man.
People in the store also helped apprehend the suspect and treat victims, the sheriff’s office said.
The victims’ ages weren’t immediately released.
“Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn’t more,” Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters.
Emergency vehicles and uniformed first responders assembled in the lot of the shopping center, which also hosts several other retail outlets. Authorities were observed interviewing store employees, who were still wearing their blue uniform vests and name tags, as the immediate response evolved into an investigation.
Tiffany DeFell, 36, who lives in Honor, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) 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.”
Munson Healthcare said via social media that 11 people were being treated at the region’s largest hospital in northern Michigan. Spokesperson Megan Brown said all were stabbing victims. Six people were critical and five were in serious condition late Saturday, she said.
Shea said the weapon involved appeared to be a folding-style knife. Shea said the suspect is believed to be a Michigan resident but declined to share further details. Michigan State Police had said earlier in the day that the suspect was in authorities’ custody.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence.”
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.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a social media post that bureau officials were responding to “provide any necessary support.”
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 (40 kilometers) east of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
