A man went on a stabbing spree inside a Michigan Walmart, injuring 11 people. Six people have been hospitalised in critical condition after the 42-year-old man allegedly attacked them with a knife on Saturday, according to the sheriff. The attack occurred around 4:45 p.m. in Traverse City, where the suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, reportedly walked into the store.
The weapon used was identified as a folding knife. Reports say the suspect had the knife when he entered the store and began wielding it at people inside. The ages of the 11 victims have not yet been released, but reports detail that they were all rushed to the hospital after the deputies from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office arrived.
Authorities say the stabbings appeared to be unprovoked, with no known connection between the suspect and the victims. According to reports, several individuals inside the store acted quickly, restraining the man before deputies arrived. Witnesses also rendered aid to those who had been hurt.
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff, Michael Shea, expressed regret that nearly a dozen were injured, saying, “Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn’t more.”
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, with the area around the shopping plaza quickly filled with flashing lights and uniformed personnel. Employees wearing their store uniforms were seen speaking with investigators outside the building.
36-year-old Tiffany DeFell, a shopper who happened to be in the parking lot at the time, recalled the panic. She described the incident as “scary” while explaining that she and her sister “were just freaking out” in the parking lot when they realised what was happening. “This is something you see out of the movies,” she said. “It’s not what you expect to see where you’re living.”
All the victims were taken to Munson Healthcare, the region’s largest hospital. Hospital spokesperson Megan Brown confirmed that six patients were listed in critical condition while five others remained in serious condition.
An investigation has since been launched by the sheriff’s office, and the FBI has also joined.
In response to the incident, Walmart denounced the senseless violence, calling it “unacceptable.” Walmart also sent well wishes to the injured and commended the swift response of the emergency responders.
