11 Stabbed in Random Attack at Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan; Suspect in Custody

Chaos erupted at a Walmart in Michigan on Saturday after a man randomly stabbed 11 people during what had begun as a quiet afternoon of shopping, according to authorities. The 42-year-old suspect, a Michigan resident with no prior contact with law enforcement, was taken into custody minutes after the attack with the help of bystanders.

The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. at the Walmart located in a shopping center in Grand Traverse County. The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office stated on social media that the man entered the store wielding a folding-style knife and began stabbing individuals near the checkout area. The victims’ ages have not yet been released, and officials confirmed the victims were not targeted beforehand.

A sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene within three minutes of the attack and arrested the suspect. Sheriff Michael Shea confirmed that several civilians played a role in detaining the attacker. “I want to acknowledge there was citizen involvement in assisting in taking the individual into custody,” Shea said during a press conference.

Witness Steven Carter, who was loading his truck in the parking lot, said he saw the man slit a woman’s throat. Moments later, a group of five to six shoppers surrounded the suspect in the parking lot. One bystander held a gun while others shouted, “Drop the knife,” but the man continued backing away, reportedly responding, “I don’t care, I don’t care,” before being tackled and subdued.

“At first, it was disbelief. I thought maybe it was like a terror attack,” said Carter, who delivers customer orders from Walmart. “And then it was fear, disbelief, shock. And that was, it was just amazing. And it all happened fast. Like he was totally subdued on the ground by the time police arrived.”

Emergency responders and uniformed personnel quickly filled the parking lot as the crime scene transitioned into an active investigation. Authorities were seen interviewing Walmart employees, still wearing their blue vests and name tags, outside the store.

Tiffany DeFell, 36, of Honor, Michigan — about 25 miles away — was in the parking lot during the incident and described the scene as chaotic. “It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out,” she said. “This is something you see out of the movies. It’s not what you expect to see where you’re living.”

Munson Healthcare, the region’s largest hospital, confirmed on social media that all 11 victims were being treated there. Hospital spokesperson Megan Brown stated that, as of Sunday morning, four victims remained in serious condition while seven were in fair condition. “We’ve seen encouraging signs of recovery among our patients,” Brown added.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement saying, “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence.”

Walmart issued a statement Saturday night expressing its support for law enforcement and appreciation for the quick response of emergency personnel. “Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders,” the company said. On Sunday, a spokesman said there were no updates regarding the store’s reopening.

The FBI is also involved in the case. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino posted on social media that federal agents were responding to provide any necessary support.

Traverse City, known for its cherry festival, wineries, and proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is a popular vacation destination on the coast of Lake Michigan.