(Crossing City) At least 11 people were stabbed in a City Traverse Walmart on Saturday and six of them are in critical condition. According to the sheriff, it seems to be an act without any particular reason. A suspect was arrested, the authorities said.
“Eleven, it is eleven too much, but thank God, it was not more,” said the Sheriff of the County of Grand Traverse, Michael Shea, to journalists.
Emergency vehicles and uniform rescuers were seen in front of the store after the incident.
Tiffany Defell, 36, who lives in Honor, about 40 kilometers from City Traverse, said that she was on parking when she saw the chaos settle around her.
“It was really frightening. My sister and I were completely panicked, she added. It’s something we see in movies. Where we live, we don’t expect to see that. »»
Munson Healthcare confirmed on social networks that 11 people were treated in the largest hospital in the region in northern Michigan. Spokesperson Megan Brown explained that they were all victims of stab wounds. Six people were in critical condition and five in serious condition on Saturday evening, she said.
Photo Jan-Michael Stump, Associated Press
A police officer puts ribbon around the crime scene.
Sheriff Shea said the weapon used seemed to be a folding knife. Earlier in the day, Michigan State police announced that the suspect had been arrested. Mr. Shea said the suspect was a resident of Michigan, but refused to provide more details.
State governor, Gretchen Whitmer, said: “Our thoughts accompany the victims and the community in shock from this brutal act of violence. »»
Walmart wrote in a statement that the company will continue to collaborate closely with the police within the framework of the investigation.
“Such violence is unacceptable. Our thoughts accompany the wounded and we thank the first stakeholders for their rapid intervention, ”reads the declaration.
The deputy director of the FBI, Dan Bongino, wrote on social networks that FBI officials intervened to “provide all the necessary support”.
Crossing City is a popular tourist destination on the Michigan lake coast. Known for its cherry festival, its vineyards and its headlights, it is around 40 kilometers east of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
