At least 11 people were stabbed in a horrifying scene inside a Michigan Walmart Saturday night — sending terrified shoppers and employees fleeing in all directions as bloodied victims collapsed across multiple departments, according to police and witnesses.
The terror unfolded around 5 p.m. when the alleged male attacker began randomly stabbing shoppers with a “standard” folding knife in various sections throughout the big-box chain store in Traverse City, about 255 miles northwest of Detroit, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said.
“Based on the information that we have at this time, they were random acts,” Shea told reporters at a press conference Saturday night, adding that the violent knifing is “very uncommon” for the city.
“Eleven [victims] is too many, but thank God it wasn’t more.”
Six of the victims are in critical condition, with the other five in serious condition.
Shea said the disturbing episode started near the store’s checkout counter.
“The whole store started screaming and running,” employee Tasha Nash told Channel2 Now.
“There was a guy with a knife — he stabbed six people. I saw someone stabbed in the eye.”
The knife-wielding maniac was ultimately taken down by a pair of brave shoppers before authorities arrived and took him into custody, according to police and witnesses.
Photos from Channel 2 Now show the sadistic suspect being placed into a Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office vehicle after the attack.
A shopper, who arrived at the superstore moments after the violent rampage, said she was shocked by the number of first responders on the scene.
“We were getting ready to go into Walmart as this was happening,” one witness wrote on X shortly after investigators asked the public to avoid the area.
“Of course, we weren’t allowed to go in. I have never seen so many police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles and crime scene vehicles! They sent the employees home and told all of the customers to leave. Wow.”
The 11 victims were rushed to Munson Medical Center, northern Michigan’s largest hospital, where they are being treated, Munson Healthcare announced on Facebook just before 7 p.m.
“Munson Healthcare is aware of the tragic incident that occurred earlier today at the Walmart in Traverse City,” the agency said.
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this event, and we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement for their swift action. As a result, our Emergency Department is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients.”
Police have not released the name of the alleged stabber or a motive behind the nightmarish ordeal, but said the vicious suspect appears to be a Michigan resident
A Walmart spokesperson reportedly said the company is currently “working with police.”
“I’m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said on X.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also said on social media that the federal agency is also responding to the scene to provide “any necessary support” to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office as it investigates the harrowing attack.
The investigation is ongoing, with people asked to avoid the area.
