Terrifying scenes as at least 11 people stabbed at US Walmart

Two shoppers, including one armed, have helped to stop a knife-wielding man who randomly attacked shoppers in a Michigan Walmart. See the video.

At least 11 people were stabbed in a bloody scene inside a Michigan Walmart night – causing terrified shoppers and employees to flee – before an armed citizen helped detain the knife-wielding offender, according to police, witnesses and harrowing video.

The terror unfolded around 5pm (local time) on Saturday when the alleged 42-year-old male attacker began randomly stabbing shoppers with a “standard” folding knife in various sections of the big-box chain store in Traverse City, about 255 miles northwest of Detroit, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said.

“Based on the information that we have at this time, they were random acts,” Shea told reporters at a press conference Saturday night, adding that the violent knifing is “very uncommon” for the city.

“Eleven [victims] is too many, but thank God it wasn’t more.”

Emergency services respond after multiple people were stabbed at Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. Picture: Jan-Michael Stump/Traverse City Record-Eagle via AP

Six of the victims are in critical condition, with the other five in serious condition.

Shea said the disturbing episode started near the store’s checkout counter.

“The whole store started screaming and running,” employee Tasha Nash told Channel2 Now.

“There was a guy with a knife — he stabbed six people. I saw someone stabbed in the eye.”

Law enforcement officers are seen stationed outside a Walmart where 11 people were stabbed in a violent attack. Picture: AP Photo/Ryan Sun

The attacker was ultimately taken down by a pair of brave shoppers, including one who was armed, before authorities arrived and took him into custody, according to police and witnesses.

Video of the chaotic scene showed the unidentified suspect surrounded by shouting bystanders, including the armed good Samaritan.

Photos from Channel 2 Now show the suspect being placed into a Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office vehicle after the attack.

Grand Traverse Sheriff's deputies tape off the parking lot of a Walmart after a stabbing incident in Traverse City, Michigan. Picture: Jan-Michael Stump/Traverse City Record-Eagle via AP

A shopper, who arrived at the superstore moments after the violent rampage, said she was shocked by the number of first responders on the scene.

“We were getting ready to go into Walmart as this was happening,” one witness wrote on X shortly after investigators asked the public to avoid the area.

“Of course, we weren’t allowed to go in. I have never seen so many police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles and crime scene vehicles! They sent the employees home and told all of the customers to leave. Wow.”

Walmart employees and customers wait outside while law enforcement investigates the scene after a stabbing incident in Traverse City, Michigan. Picture: Jan-Michael Stump/Traverse City Record-Eagle via AP

The 11 victims were rushed to Munson Medical Center, northern Michigan’s largest hospital, where they are being treated, Munson Healthcare announced on Facebook just before 7pm.

“Munson Healthcare is aware of the tragic incident that occurred earlier today at the Walmart in Traverse City,” the agency said.

“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this event, and we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement for their swift action. As a result, our Emergency Department is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients.”

Michigan State Police officers talk to employees near the scene after a stabbing incident at a Walmart in Traverse City. Picture: Jan-Michael Stump/Traverse City Record-Eagle via AP

Police have not released the name of the alleged stabber or a motive behind the nightmarish ordeal, but said the vicious suspect appears to be a Michigan resident

A Walmart spokesperson reportedly said the company is currently “working with police.”

“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this event, and we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement for their swift action. As a result, our Emergency Department is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients.”

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also said on social media that the federal agency is also responding to the scene to provide “any necessary support” to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office as it investigates the harrowing attack.

The investigation is ongoing, with people asked to avoid the area.

This article originally appeared on The New York Post

Originally published as Terrifying scenes as at least 11 people stabbed at US Walmart