TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – A man went on a stabbing spree at a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday, leaving 11 people hurt.
UPDATE: Traverse City Walmart stabbing: Officials release new details on suspect, victims injured
It happened just before 5 p.m. on July 26. Police said the victims were attacked at random. The man is in custody thanks to police and good Samaritans.
The 11 victims are being treated at Munson Medical Center. The hospital updated the patients’ conditions on July 27 at 9 a.m., saying they have seen “encouraging signs of recovery.”
Seven people are in fair condition and four are in serious condition. The hospital said there are no longer any patients from the attack in critical condition.
A woman, who was at the Walmart with her fiancé when the attack happened, said bystanders were comforting two of the people stabbed as other customers chased the attacker out of the store and eventually held him in the parking lot until first responders arrived.
“It was just very panicky, very scary,” said Angela Helfrich. “I’ve never witnessed anything like that, and I’ve lived in Traverse City my whole life. I was way too close. That could have been me or my family, and I feel awful for all the victims and their families.”
It’s still unclear exactly how many people helped stop the attacker or how they managed to stop him. The Grand Traverse County Sheriff stated that the department will provide more details as the investigation continues.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement on social media, saying, “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.”
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said in a statement, “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.”