Eleven people were injured in what authorities called a random mass stabbing attack at Walmart Saturday afternoon in Traverse City. The suspect, a 42-year-old Michigan man, was taken into custody. As of press time late Saturday, six of the victims were in critical condition at Munson Medical Center, while the other five were in serious condition.

Authorities received a call at 4:43pm Saturday reporting a stabbing attack in progress at Walmart. According to Grand Traverse Sheriff Mike Shea, the attack began near the checkout area, with the suspect using a folding knife to stab multiple victims. A deputy arrived at the scene within three minutes of the first call, according to the sheriff. Shea said there was “citizen involvement in assisting in taking the individual into custody,” though he said he couldn’t elaborate. Shea declined to address reports that an armed bystander intervened and confronted the attacker, but said more information will be released soon about the citizen’s involvement.

Neither the suspect nor first responders were injured in the attack, according to Shea. However, six male victims and five female victims were taken to Munson Medical Center. Three victims were undergoing surgery Saturday evening, Shea said. Munson confirmed it was treating 11 stabbing victims – six in critical condition, five in serious condition – and that “as a result, our emergency department is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients.” The ages of the victims were not released.

“Munson Healthcare leadership wishes to thank our amazing staff, which responded commendably and admirably under these tragic circumstances,” the hospital system said in a statement. “Every single department and team at Munson Medical Center, and throughout our healthcare system, stepped up to ensure not only that the victims of this tragedy were cared for, but that all our other patients continued to receive the care that they needed as well. Our hearts continue to go out to the victims and their families.”

Shea said the stabbings appeared to all be “random acts,” with no “predetermined” victims as far as authorities could ascertain. The sheriff said he wasn’t aware of any employees being among the victims, though details on those targeted in the attack were still emerging Saturday. Shea declined to say what part of Michigan the suspect was from. The attacker appeared to have acted alone, with no indication there were any additional suspects, Shea said.

The sheriff thanked the numerous agencies who responded to the attack – saying he was “very pleased with the response time” – including his department, the Traverse City Police Department, the Michigan State Police, the sheriffs’ departments of Leelanau and Antrim counties, and East Bay Ambulance/GT Metro Fire. “This was a joint effort all the way through,” Shea said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also responded to the attack. “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,” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino posted on social media platform X.

Shea said he wasn’t sure when Walmart would reopen to the public. The Michigan State Police crime lab was en route Saturday to assist in processing the crime scene. Shea said authorities were in direct contact with Walmart management about the ongoing situation. “They are aware of everything that’s going on, and when the scene is cleared, they’ll be able to reopen,” Shea said.

While such a mass incident is “uncommon for our area,” no community is “immune” from this type of attack, Shea said. “Eleven is eleven too many, but thank God it wasn’t more,” he said, calling the incident “tragic.” Shea encouraged citizens to be “vigilant” about their surroundings and to call 911 when they see something suspicious.

Multiple government representatives responded to the attack, which was covered nationally on sources ranging from CNN to The New York Times. “I’m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer posted on X. “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. I will continue monitoring the situation closely.”

State Rep. Betsy Coffia also said she was in touch with law enforcement “about this incident of horrific violence that occurred in our community this evening. Please join me in lifting up the victims who are suffering the impact of this violent attack and their loved ones. My thoughts are also with the community members and store staff who were present at the store during the incident. Thank you to the law enforcement who went into harm’s way to apprehend the attacker and first responders and hospital staff who are providing care for the victims.” She added: “Hug your loved ones. This is a moment to pull together as neighbors and as a community.”

U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman said he was also monitoring the situation. “My prayers go out to all the victims of this senseless violence,” he posted. State Sen. John Damoose wrote that it was a “tragic day for the Traverse City community,” asking the public to “please keep the victims and their families in your prayers as they try to recover from this random and senseless act of violence.”

State Rep. John Roth also called it a “sad story in our community,” thanking all the first responders at the scene. Roth addressed the reports of an armed bystander intervening. “Not confirmed yet, but it may have been a good guy with a gun that stopped further harm,” he wrote. “Articles say community involvement stopped the assault until police arrived. This person saved injury and possibly lives.”

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who has a home in Traverse City, posted: “Along with the whole Traverse City community, Chasten and I are shaken by the awful and senseless violence at Walmart earlier today. We’re thinking of everyone affected and hoping and praying for speedy recovery for all those who were injured.”

The suspect’s name has not yet been released pending arraignment.

Pictured: Sheriff Mike Shea at a press conference Saturday evening.