At Least 11 People Wounded, 6 Critically, In A Stabbing At A Michigan Walmart. Suspect In Custody.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded at a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday, where eleven people were stabbed, with six in critical condition. The Michigan sheriff described the attack as seemingly random, and a suspect is currently in custody.

According to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, a 42-year-old man entered the store around 4:45 p.m. and used a folding knife to stab the 11 victims. A quick response from a sheriff’s deputy led to the suspect’s apprehension, with assistance from store patrons who helped treat the wounded.

Details about the victims’ ages have not been released yet.

Sheriff Michael Shea expressed gratitude that the situation wasn’t worse, stating, “Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn’t more.”

Emergency personnel and law enforcement quickly gathered at the scene, with interviews conducted and an investigation launched to determine the motive behind the attack.

One witness, Tiffany DeFell, described the chaotic scene unfolding before her eyes in the store’s parking lot, expressing disbelief at the violence that erupted.

Munson Healthcare reported that all 11 victims were receiving treatment at the largest hospital in northern Michigan. Six were in critical condition, and five were in serious condition as of late Saturday.

Authorities identified the weapon used in the attack as a folding-style knife. The suspect, believed to be a Michigan resident, is currently in custody, although further details have not been disclosed.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed sympathy for the victims and the community affected by the violence, calling it a “brutal act.”

Walmart pledged to cooperate with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation, condemning the violence and expressing gratitude for the swift response from first responders.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that bureau officials were providing support in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Traverse City, a popular tourist destination known for its cherry festival and scenic attractions, was shaken by this senseless act of violence.