Authorities in Michigan say a man entered a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday afternoon, armed with a folding knife, and stabbed 11 people before being apprehended.
The attack began at 4:43 p.m., according to an online statement from the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office.
The victims were being treated at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Six of the victims were in critical condition on Saturday evening, with five in serious condition, according to an online update from the hospital.
Grand Traverse Sheriff Michael Shea announced at a news conference Saturday evening that the victims are six men and five women. Authorities have yet to reveal the ages of any of the victims.
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 42-year-old man.
“We believe he acted alone at this time,” Shea stated at the press conference. “There is no information indicating there were additional suspects.”
The sheriff said a deputy arrived at the Walmart within three minutes of receiving a 911 call about the stabbing and arrested the suspect. The sheriff also credited “citizen involvement” in apprehending the suspect, who was carrying a folding knife, he stated.
“Thankfully, no one else was injured,” the sheriff stated, adding, “11 is 11 too many — but thank God it wasn’t more.”
The sheriff stated that the suspects appeared to attack the victims at random.
“It appears that these were all random acts,” the sheriff explained.
He stated that the incident began near the checkout area.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement on X that she was keeping an eye on the situation.
“I’ve contacted law enforcement regarding the tragic news from Traverse City. “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community that is reeling from this heinous act of violence,” she stated.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a social media statement that FBI personnel were responding to the scene “to provide any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of the attacks at Walmart.”
State police have asked residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
A Walmart spokesperson stated, “Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we appreciate the quick response of first responders. We will continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement throughout their investigation.”
Traverse City, a city of about 16,000 people, is located in northern Michigan, approximately 150 miles north of Grand Rapids.
