At least 11 people have been injured in a stabbing at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, Munson Healthcare said in a Facebook post Saturday.
The incident began near the checkout area of the retail location, approximately 250 miles northwest of Detroit.
Newsweek has reached out to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police and Walmart for comment during non-working hours Saturday via email.
What To Know
A 42-year-old Michigan resident has been taken into custody in connection with the incident, which authorities believe was carried out by a lone attacker targeting victims at random.
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office confirmed during a Saturday press conference that the male suspect, whose name has not been released, was apprehended with the help of citizens and is believed to have acted alone. The attack occurred near the store’s checkout area and involved what investigators described as “a standard folding knife-style weapon.”
Sheriff Michael Shea revealed that six male and five female victims were injured in the attack, with three currently undergoing surgery. Law enforcement confirmed there was “citizen involvement” in apprehending the suspect, who was not injured during his arrest.
Munson Healthcare reported that their Emergency Department is experiencing higher-than-usual patient volume due to treating the victims. The hospital system is managing the influx while providing necessary medical care to all those injured.
Jan-Michael Stump/Traverse City Record-Eagle via AP
What People Are Saying
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “FBI personnel are responding to provide any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of the attacks at the Walmart.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said on X: “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. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect.”
Munson Healthcare said on Facebook: “Munson Healthcare is aware of the tragic incident that occurred earlier today at the Walmart in Traverse City. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event, and we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement for their swift action. We can confirm that 11 victims are being treated at Munson Medical Center. As a result, our Emergency Department is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients.”
Walmart corporate spokesperson Joe Pennington told the Associated Press that the company was: “Working with police and defer questions to them right now.”
What Happens Next
The Michigan State Police Crime Lab will continue processing evidence from the scene while investigators work to determine a motive for the attack. The suspect remains in custody, though formal charges have not yet been announced.
Medical updates on the victims’ conditions are expected as treatment continues, particularly for the three individuals who required surgery. The Walmart location will reopen once law enforcement clears the scene and completes their initial investigation.
Update 7/26/25, 6:46 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
Update 7/26/25, 7:05 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
Update 7/26/25, 7:39 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
Update 7/26/25, 8:45 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.