At least 11 hospitalized after stabbing at Michigan Walmart

July-27-2025, 21:00 U.S. Eastern Time

At least 11 people were hospitalized following a mass stabbing at a Walmart store in Traverse City, Michigan, on Saturday afternoon. Authorities say the suspect, a 42-year-old man acting alone, was quickly taken into custody. The FBI is now assisting in the ongoing investigation.

Suspect apprehended quickly with citizen assistance

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea reported that the suspect entered the Walmart and began attacking people with a folding knife. Law enforcement arrived within minutes and took the man into custody without incident. Some Walmart shoppers also played a role in restraining the suspect and aiding victims until emergency personnel arrived.

According to Shea, the individual acted alone and is believed to be a Michigan resident. However, the sheriff declined to disclose the specific area the suspect is from, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The suspect’s identity has not yet been released, and no formal charges had been announced as of Saturday evening.

Victim conditions and hospital response

Munson Healthcare, the local hospital treating the victims, confirmed that 11 individuals were hospitalized due to the attack. Of those, five are currently in serious condition, while six remain in critical condition.

Sheriff Shea stated that none of the injured were Walmart employees or first responders, but their exact ages and identities were not immediately made public. The sheriff also said investigators are still working to determine the motive for the attack.

FBI joins local authorities in investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the case to support local law enforcement. Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed federal agents were on the ground assisting in evidence collection and forensic analysis.

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office is working in coordination with the Traverse City Police Department, the Traverse City Fire Department, and the Michigan State Police. A formal press briefing is expected in the coming days as more details emerge.

Walmart, Governor Whitmer respond to incident

Walmart released a statement expressing concern and gratitude toward law enforcement and first responders.

“Violence like this is unacceptable,” said Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders. We’ll continue working closely with law enforcement during their investigation.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also addressed the incident in a public statement on X (formerly Twitter).

“I’m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City,” she wrote. “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.”

Community impact and background

Traverse City is a small city in northern Michigan known for its scenic waterfront along Grand Traverse Bay, approximately 140 miles north of Grand Rapids. Saturday’s stabbing marks one of the most violent public incidents in recent memory for the area.

Local residents have expressed shock and concern as law enforcement continues to process the crime scene. Security footage from the store and witness testimony are expected to play key roles in the investigation.

The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office and other local departments had not responded to further inquiries as of Saturday evening.

Ongoing updates

This is a developing story. Law enforcement agencies are expected to release more details in the coming days, including information about the suspect’s background and possible motive. Community members are encouraged to follow official sources for updates and avoid spreading unverified claims on social media.

Further coverage will be provided as new information becomes available.