Man in custody after 11 people stabbed at US shopping centre

3 months ago 21

Traverse City, Michigan: Eleven people have been stabbed at a Walmart store, including six who are critically injured, in what a Michigan sheriff said appeared to be a random act. A suspect was in custody.

About 4.45pm on Saturday (Sunday morning AEST), a 42-year-old man entered the store in Traverse City and used a folding knife to carry out the stabbings, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

A sheriff’s deputy arrived within minutes and took the man into custody, and people in the store also helped apprehend the suspect and treat victims, the sheriff’s office said.

Walmart employees and customers comfort each other after the stabbing.

The victims’ ages were not immediately released.

“Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn’t more,” Sheriff Michael Shea said.

Emergency vehicles and uniformed first responders gathered in the car park of the shopping centre, which houses several other stores. Authorities were seen interviewing employees, still wearing blue uniform vests and name tags, as the response gave way to an investigation.

Tiffany DeFell, 36, who lives in Honor, about 40 kilometres from Traverse City, said she was in the store’s car park when she saw chaos erupt around her.

Police at the scene of the stabbing on Saturay night.

“It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out,” she said. “This is something you see out of the movies. It’s not what you expect to see where you’re living.”

Munson Healthcare said via social media that 11 people were being treated at the region’s largest hospital in northern Michigan. Spokesperson Megan Brown said all were stabbing victims. Six people were in a critical condition and five were in a serious condition late on Saturday, she said.

Shea said the weapon involved appeared to be a folding-style knife. He said the suspect was believed to be a Michigan resident but declined to share further details. Michigan State Police had said earlier that the suspect was in custody.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence.”

Police speak to employees of Walmart after the attack.

Walmart said in a statement that it would continue to work closely with law enforcement in the investigation.

“Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders,” the statement said.

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino said bureau officials were responding to provide support.

Traverse City is a popular holiday spot on the bank of Lake Michigan. It is known for its cherry festival, wineries and lighthouses.

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