TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) It seemed to be a random act, according to the sheriff, when at least 11 people were stabbed at a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday, leaving six critically injured. Authorities said they had a suspect in custody.
“Thank God it wasn’t more,” Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters, adding that “eleven is eleven too many.”
After the event, first responders in uniform and emergency vehicles were spotted outside the store.
According to Tiffany DeFell, 36, of Honor, which is roughly 25 miles from Traverse City, she was in the parking lot when she witnessed mayhem breaking out all around her.
It was quite frightening. She remarked, “My sister and I were just freaking out.” This is something that you see in films. Where you live, it’s not what you expected to see.
On social media, Munson Healthcare said that 11 patients were receiving treatment at the biggest hospital in the area, located in northern Michigan. According to spokeswoman Megan Brown, everyone was stabbed. Late Saturday, she said, five were in serious condition and six were critical.
According to Shea, the weapon in question seemed to be a folding knife. The suspect was brought into custody, according to the Michigan State Police earlier in the day. Although she declined to provide any information, Shea stated that the suspect is thought to be a resident of Michigan.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said.
In a statement, Walmart said it will keep up its tight collaboration with law enforcement on the inquiry.
Such violence is not acceptable. The statement read, “We are grateful for the prompt response of first responders and our thoughts are with those who were injured.”
In a social media post, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that agency representatives were reacting to offer any assistance that could be required.
On the shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is a well-liked vacation destination. It is located roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and is well-known for its lighthouses, vineyards, and cherry festival.
