'Brutal act': 11 people stabbed at Michigan Walmart; suspect in custody

Many of the victims are in serious or critical condition, authorities said.

Authorities in Michigan say a man entered a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday afternoon armed with a folding knife and stabbed 11 people before being taken into custody by a sheriff's deputy.

The attack began unfolding at 4:43 p.m., the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office said in a statement posted online.

The victims were being treated at the Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, with "many in serious or critical condition," the sheriff's office said.

The suspect, who authorities said was "acting alone," has been identified only as a 42-year-old man.

"A Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Deputy was on scene within minutes and took the man into custody," the sheriff's office said. "Citizens in Walmart also assisted in the apprehension and treatment of victims. "

At a news conference Saturday evening, Grand Traverse Sheriff Michael Shea said the suspect was armed with a folding knife and that it appeared the victims were randomly chosen. "It appears they were random acts," he said. "It appears the victims were not pre-determined."

He said the incident began unfolding near the checkout area.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement on X that she was monitoring the situation.

"I'm in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City. Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence," she said.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a statement on social media that FBI personnel were responding to the scene, "to provide any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office in their investigation of the attacks at the Walmart."

State police asked people to avoid the area as the investigation continues.

In a statement, a Walmart spokesperson 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. We'll continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation."

Traverse City, a city of about 16,000 people, is in northern Michigan, about 150 miles north of Grand Rapids.