11 Injured in Stabbing at Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan

Summary:
A stabbing incident at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, left 11 people wounded, according to officials. A 42-year-old man is in custody following the attack near the store's checkout area.

Eleven people were wounded in a stabbing incident at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, officials said Saturday evening. A man is in custody.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael D. Shea said in a news conference that the stabbings occurred near the checkout area of the store and appeared to be random.

The suspect, a 42-year-old Michigan man, was not injured when taken into custody, the sheriff's office stated. He allegedly used a folding knife in the incident.

According to law enforcement, individuals inside the store assisted in apprehending the suspect and aided those who were injured.

"This was a joint effort all the way through, and, as I mentioned, the citizens, too," Shea said about the response to the incident.

Munson Healthcare, based in northern Michigan, stated in a Facebook post that it was treating the 11 injured at its medical center in Traverse City and was "working closely with local authorities and emergency services to ensure the best possible care for those impacted." As of Saturday night, five people were in serious condition, while six others were in critical condition.

Michigan State Police stated in a post on X that the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office was investigating the stabbings. The agency requested that people avoid the area while the investigation continues.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said federal agency personnel were responding to assist with the investigation.

"I'm in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City," Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. "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."

Joe Pennington, a Walmart spokesperson, said in a statement: "Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we're thankful for the swift action of first responders. We'll continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation."