According to Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea, the 42-year-old suspect, a Michigan resident, acted alone and was taken into custody within minutes of the attack, thanks in part to assistance from bystanders.
'Eleven is 11 too many, but thank God it wasn't more,' Shea told reporters during a press briefing.
The stabbing spree reportedly began near the checkout counters before the attacker moved through the store's pharmacy section, injuring customers indiscriminately. Witnesses described scenes of panic, screaming, and confusion as shoppers fled or tried to help the wounded.
'It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out,' said Tiffany DeFell, who was in the car park at the time of the incident. 'This is something you see out of the movies.'
Six of the 11 victims remain in critical condition, while the other five suffered serious injuries. At least three of them required emergency surgery. The victims include six men and five women. Their ages have not yet been disclosed, and none are believed to be Walmart employees.
The Munson Medical Center, which received all 11 victims, said its emergency department experienced a sudden surge in patient volume following the attack.
Sheriff Shea emphasized that the assault was 'very unusual' for Traverse City, a popular tourist destination along Lake Michigan. 'These were random acts. The victims were not pre-selected,' he said.
Footage posted online showed a heavy police presence in the Walmart parking lot, with multiple ambulances on site. Local and federal agencies, including the FBI, have launched an investigation into the incident. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that federal personnel are providing full support to local authorities.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence and said she was in contact with law enforcement.
'Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence,' she said in a statement.
Walmart has also responded, stating that the company is cooperating fully with law enforcement and is focused on supporting those affected.
'Violence like this is unacceptable,' a Walmart spokesperson said. 'We're thankful for the swift action of first responders.'
The suspect remains in custody as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/11-wounded-as-man-goes-on-stabbing-spree-in-us-supermarket
