The 11 people who local authorities say were randomly targeted in a mass stabbing incident at a Walmart near Traverse City remain in a local hospital where some have begun to recover.
“Over the past 12 hours, we’ve seen encouraging signs of recovery among our patients,” reads a media statement from Munson Healthcare shared at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, July 27.
Seven of the injured individuals are in fair condition, 4 are in serious condition and zero are in critical condition, the hospital said. That marks an improvement from July 26 when six were in critical condition and five were in serious condition.
A 42-year-old Michigan resident carried out the mass stabbing with a folding knife at the Walmart, Grand Traverse Sheriff Michael Shea said during a July 26 news conference. The suspect was subdued by bystanders and an officer was at the scene within three minutes of police receiving the first 911 call, according to Shea.
Shea told the Free Press July 27 that his office will meet with the prosecutor soon to determine criminal charges.
Shea didn’t provide the name of suspect. He said the name typically isn’t released until the arraignment on criminal charges. The suspect is currently being held at the Grand Traverse County Jail, according to Shea.
Shea previously said six of the stabbing victims were male and five were female. He did not provide ages or any other information.
Police have not provided any motive for the attack but said they believe the assailant acted alone.
“Based on the information that we have at this time, it appears (these) were random acts, that the victims were not predetermined,” Shea said at the press conference.
On Sunday morning, July 27, officers remained present at the Walmart and the store was closed off with police tape.
The attack at the Walmart marks the latest mass violent event at a retailer in the U.S.
Public officials have shared support for the victims and those who live near the location of the attack took place.
“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,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a social media post July 26.
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who lives in Traverse City, called the mass stabbing “awful and senseless violence.”
Free Press Intern Natalie Davies contributed. Jonathan Limehouse and Bart Jansen of USA TODAY contributed with previous reporting
Contact Clara Hendrickson at [email protected] or 313-296-5743.
