On Saturday afternoon, a knife attack occurred at a Walmart in Michigan, leaving 11 people injured, with six in critical condition and five seriously wounded. The suspect has been apprehended.
Authorities in Michigan reported that before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, a man entered Walmart and immediately started stabbing shoppers with a folding knife.
Sheriff Michael Shea of Grand Traverse County stated that the 42-year-old suspect acted alone. The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed as authorities investigate the incident.
According to the Associated Press, Steven Carter witnessed the attack while in the Walmart parking lot, where he saw a man slashing a woman’s throat with a knife.
About five minutes later, the man was surrounded by shoppers in the parking lot, including one who was armed. Five or six people continuously shouted at the man to “drop the knife,” to which he responded, “I don’t care, I don’t care.” He kept retreating in the direction away from the crowd until someone tackled him.
“At first, I couldn’t believe it. I thought it might be a terrorist attack,” said Carter, who is responsible for Walmart’s deliveries. “Then it was fear, disbelief, shock.”
“Everything happened very quickly. It was as if by the time the police arrived, he was already completely subdued on the ground,” Carter added.
Munson Healthcare stated on social media that 11 individuals are receiving treatment at the largest hospital in the northern part of Michigan. Hospital spokesperson Megan Brown mentioned that all victims suffered stab wounds. She noted that later on Saturday evening, six individuals were in critical condition while five had serious injuries.
Sheriff Shea mentioned that the weapon involved appears to be a folding knife. The suspect appears to be a resident of Michigan, but when asked about the specific region in Michigan, Shea declined to disclose further information.
Deputy Director Dan Bongino of the FBI stated that FBI agents are providing necessary support in the case.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed on the social media platform X that she is closely monitoring the situation and in contact with law enforcement agencies. She expressed gratitude to emergency responders for their swift actions following the incident.
Walmart, in a statement, mentioned that they will continue to closely cooperate with law enforcement authorities in the ongoing investigation.