11 Stabbed At Michigan Walmart, Many Critically Or Seriously Injured; Suspect In Custody: Sheriff's Office

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — 11 people were stabbed at a Michigan Walmart Saturday — with some critically injured, officials said.

The Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office, in a Facebook post, said that at 4:43 p.m., a 42-year-old man, acting alone, entered Walmart in Garfield Township and used a folding knife to stab 11 people of unknown ages.

A Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Deputy was on scene within minutes and took the man into custody, the update said.

Citizens in Walmart also assisted in the apprehension and treatment of victims, the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office said.

"All victims are being treated for injuries at Munson Medical Center, many in serious or critical condition," the sheriff's office said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families."

In an interview with reporters with Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea, posted on YouTube by WWMT-TV, Shea said the man was not someone authorities were familiar with and that the acts were "random".

Shea said that the public should "be vigilant. Know that no area is immune to this type of activity, unfortunately . . . It's very tragic."

During the press conference, he added that he was very pleased with the response time of law enforcement and the actions of citizens. "Thankfully, no one else is injured. Eleven is 11 too many — but thank God it wasn't more."

The incident began near the checkout area, he said.

The news was first reported in a post by the Michigan State Police Department's Sixth District on X, which stated that the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office was investigating a multiple stabbing incident at the Traverse City Walmart.