TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A terrifying incident unfolded on Saturday evening at the Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City, Michigan, as a man armed with a knife began attacking shoppers at random in various sections of the store. The attack led to the declaration of a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) as authorities responded to the scene, with multiple victims suffering injuries ranging from serious to critical.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., Traverse City police were called to the Walmart, located near Crossing Circle and South Airport Road, after reports of a stabbing incident inside the store. Initial reports indicated that at least eleven people were stabbed during the attack, with several of them suffering critical injuries.

A Chaotic Scene Inside the Store

Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene inside the Walmart, with panicked customers and employees running in all directions as the suspect, a man armed with a large knife, attacked people at random. The stabbing spree reportedly began in the produce section and spread across multiple departments of the store, including the grocery areas, where victims were found bleeding and in distress.

Tasha Nash, a Walmart employee, recalled the chaos: “Me and my sister work there. The whole store started screaming and running. There was a guy with a knife—he stabbed six people. I saw someone stabbed in the eye.”

Amber Paull, another shopper, described seeing the assailant as a “foreign guy” who was attacking people randomly. “An African American man pulled a hero move and drew his pistol to try and stop him,” Paull recounted. “But then people screamed, and employees shouted for everyone to run, and the suspect slipped away into the crowd.”

The Walmart employees confirmed that no shots were fired during the incident. Law enforcement arrived at the scene shortly after the attack, where two quick-thinking shoppers helped subdue the suspect before police were able to take him into custody. According to Kathryn Ann Clark, a witness, her friend’s son and another shopper worked together to restrain the attacker.

Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Traverse City Police Department has not yet released any information regarding the suspect’s identity or disclosed a potential motive for the attack.

Emergency Response and Victims’ Conditions

Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders found victims in several sections of the store. Tourniquets were applied to control the severe bleeding, and CPR was performed on at least one victim who had gone into cardiac arrest.

Initial reports confirmed that at least eleven individuals were victims of the attack, including an elderly woman and a child, both of whom were injured during the incident. The child’s condition has not been publicly disclosed, but early reports suggest that they were not seriously harmed.

Victims were quickly taken to nearby medical facilities, with Munson Medical Center in Traverse City receiving the majority of the injured. Hospital sources report that several victims are receiving treatment for critical stab wounds, while others are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not released additional information about the victims, including their identities, as they await further updates from medical professionals.

Walmart Response and Law Enforcement Investigation

The scene was secured by local police, and Grand Traverse 911 issued a public alert, advising residents to avoid the area. Authorities emphasized that, “there is no danger to the public at this time,” since the suspect was already in police custody. The Traverse City Police Department, along with the Michigan State Police, are working on securing the area and gathering evidence to piece together the chain of events that led to the stabbing.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact

Investigators are continuing their work to understand the full extent of the attack and what led to such a brutal act inside the Walmart. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that surveillance footage is being reviewed, and witnesses continue to provide crucial statements to help authorities build a clearer picture of the incident.

Local residents and witnesses have expressed their shock and concern over the senseless nature of the attack. Traverse City, a community known for its peace and charm, has been shaken by this violent incident at a public retail location.

The Traverse City High School community, as well as local business owners and community leaders, have expressed deep concern for the victims of the attack and their families. Local organizations have started reaching out to assist with grief support, and a fundraising drive has been organized to help with medical expenses and support the victims and their families during their recovery.

Law Enforcement Agencies’ Statements

Traverse City Police Chief Jeff O’Boyle addressed the situation publicly, stating, “We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our residents. This attack is tragic, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice is served for those affected. We thank the quick-thinking individuals who helped prevent further harm and the law enforcement officers who responded with incredible speed and professionalism.”

The Michigan State Police have also pledged their full support in investigating the case, and state detectives are collaborating with the Traverse City Police Department to conduct interviews and process evidence.

Memorial and Community Vigil

As the investigation continues, the Traverse City community has come together in support of the victims. A community vigil is planned for next week, where residents will gather at Traverse City High School to honor the victims and show their solidarity in the wake of the violence.

Local organizations have also rallied together to provide assistance, including mental health services for those affected by the traumatic event. Traverse City Schools have announced that they will offer counseling services for students, staff, and families who may have been impacted by the event.

Moving Forward

The Walmart stabbing incident remains a deeply unsettling event for the Traverse City community. While many questions remain unanswered, the strength of the local community has been evident as people continue to come together to support the victims and one another during this difficult time.

As law enforcement works to bring clarity to the events of that fateful afternoon, the community remains united in its resolve to ensure safety and justice. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

Further updates on the case and the status of the victims will be shared as they become available. As this incident unfolds, Traverse City continues to honor those affected by the tragedy and work toward healing.