A Michigan hospital treating 11 patients who were stabbed by a man at a Walmart on Saturday in Traverse City says the victims are showing “encouraging signs” as they recover.
Four people are in serious condition while seven others are described as fair, Munson Healthcare wrote in an updated post on Facebook on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a 42-year-old suspect remains in custody although his identity and a possible motive have not yet been released by officials.
Why It Matters
The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attack, which authorities said appeared to be random.
Videos and witness accounts recalled the sudden violent outburst from the man who appeared to have acted alone and touted both the public and law enforcement response as swift.
Traverse City is a small town that attracts many tourists during the summer months.
What To Know
The suspect attacked multiple people in the Walmart near the store’s checkout area with a folding knife just before 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook on Saturday night.
The man was quickly apprehended by witnesses before being taken into custody by law enforcement, according to the post.
“I want to acknowledge there was citizen involvement in assisting in taking the individual into custody,” Sheriff Michael Shea said during a Saturday press conference.
Initially, hospital officials reported that six victims were in critical condition and five were serious. Three of the victims needed to have surgery.
“Over the past 12 hours, we’ve seen encouraging signs of recovery from our patients,” Munson Healthcare wrote in its updated post, noting that everyone was out of critical condition.
What People Are Saying
Munson Healthcare said in an updated statement posted to Facebook Sunday: “As of this morning, Munson Healthcare is continuing to care for 11 individuals who were injured in yesterday’s tragic incident at the Walmart in Traverse City. Over the past 12 hours, we’ve seen encouraging signs of recovery from our patients, and their current conditions are as follows: 7 are in fair condition. 4 are in serious condition. 0 are in critical condition.”
It added: Our dedicated team of physicians, surgeons, nurses, clinicians, and support staff remain focused on providing a healing environment for all those affected by this tragic incident. Their unwavering commitment and compassion are a testament to the strength and resilience of our healthcare community. Additionally, we are working on providing additional emotional support for our employees in light of this incident. We extend our continued support to the victims and their families during this very difficult time.”
Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office wrote in a statement on Saturday in part: “…A Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Deputy was on scene within minutes and took the man into custody. Citizens in Walmart also assisted in the apprehension and treatment of victims. All victims are being treated for injuries at Munson Medical Center, many in serious or critical condition. Our Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. We will update when additional information is available.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement on social media: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a post on X: “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.”
Joe Pennington, Walmart spokesperson, told Newsweek in an email Saturday night: “Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders.”
What Happens Next?
The investigation into the motive and circumstances of the attack remains underway.
The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. local time on Sunday to provide more information on the investigation.
Walmart’s status for reopening remains uncertain pending law enforcement’s investigation and site clearance.
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