Mass stabbing wounds 11 at Michigan Walmart, suspect in custody, police say

A suspect was taken into custody after 11 people were stabbed at a Walmart on Saturday in Traverse City, Michigan, the State Police and hospital officials reported.

"Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a multiple stabbing incident at the Wal-Mart in Traverse City," the State Police reported on X. "The suspect is in custody, details are limited at this time."

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters at a news conference that the suspect stabbed his victims near the checkout lines of the store and his attack appeared random.

Shea said the suspect was a Michigan resident and was uninjured and officers recovered at the scene a "standard holding knife-style weapon.

The sheriff credited "citizen involvement" for helping at the scene. "This was a joint effort all the way through, and, as I mentioned, the citizens, too," he said.

Authorities asked the public to stay away from the scene. A Walmart corporate spokesperson, Joe Pennington, told The Associated Press by email that the company was “working with police and defer questions to them right now.” 

A Traverse City hospital said at least 11 victims are being treated. 

"We can confirm that 11 victims are being treated at Munson Medical Center," a nonprofit healthcare group based in Michigan said in a Facebook post. "As a result, our Emergency Department is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients. We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services to ensure the best possible care for those impacted."

All the victims are in critical or serious condition, officials said.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said FBI personnel are providing any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office amid the ongoing investigation.

Traverse City is one of the largest cities in northern Michigan.