11 people injured and suspect in custody after ‘random’ stabbing in Traverse City Walmart

At least 11 people are in the hospital after a stabbing Saturday afternoon at a Michigan Walmart.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said a 42-year-old man, acting alone, entered the Traverse City store and used a folding knife to stab nearly a dozen people.

The suspect, who authorities have not publicly identified, was taken into custody without injury within minutes. Citizens in Walmart also helped to apprehend the man and treat victims.

Munson Healthcare, a nearby hospital, said five of the victims are in serious condition, and six are in critical condition. While their ages have not yet been released, the sheriff’s office confirmed they were not first responders or Walmart employees.

At least 11 people were stabbed Saturday at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. 

Shea said the man “appears” to be a Michigan resident, but when asked if he could specify the area the suspect was from, Shea said he would “rather not comment.”

Agents with the FBI are responding to provide support, according to Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington said “violence like this is unacceptable.”

“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders,” Pennington wrote in a statement. “We’ll continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation.”

Walmart employees stand outside after a stabbing at the Traverse, Michigan store Saturday afternoon.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wrote in an X post that she is continuing to monitor the situation closely.

“I’m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City,” Whitmer wrote. “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.”

Traverse City is a small city in northern Michigan, about 140 miles from Grand Rapids. It is situated by the water on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay.

Walmart did not immediately confirm if the injured people were employees or customers. 

The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office, Traverse City Police Department, Traverse City Fire Department and Michigan State Police did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.