Bystanders helped stop stabbing attack at Michigan Walmart

A stabbing rampage inside a Walmart in northern Michigan left people injured Saturday but officials say the toll could have been far worse if not for the swift action of bystanders who tackled the suspect as the attack unfolded The suspect a -year-old Michigan man is in custody Investigators say he began stabbing people with a folding knife near the checkout area around p m Local executives and spectators say the man was acting alone and without warning Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea explained several people including Walmart employees and customers physically intervened to stop the violence They didn t wait They didn t run They jumped in to stop it Shea described reporters They are absolute heroes It could ve been much much worse Video from inside the store shows at least two shoppers helping restrain the suspect until a deputy arrived One shopper reportedly used a shopping cart to slow him down Another helped hold him to the ground Shea commented the suspect was in custody within seconds of the first call Munson Therapeutic Center established all casualties were being treated as of Sunday with six in serious condition and five in fair condition Various are showing signs of recovery They are between and years of age The suspect faces multiple charges including assault with intent to murder and terrorism-related offenses His name has not yet been issued Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a comment thanking law enforcement and others who stepped in to help during this brutal act of violence I m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City Our thoughts are with the casualties and the society reeling from this brutal act of violence I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect Governor Gretchen Whitmer GovWhitmer July Michigan is a place where neighbors look out for each other she stated AP The FBI is assisting in the ongoing examination Walmart declared it is cooperating fully with leadership and praised the quick actions of their associates and customers Read more about this topic Gunman opens fire in KY church after wounding trooper dies at scene Buffalo shooter charged with domestic terrorism U S could face a simmering chronic domestic terror difficulty warn precaution experts The post Bystanders helped stop stabbing attack at Michigan Walmart appeared first on Salon com