What We Know About Walmart Stabbings

A Michigan hospital reported Sunday that none of the 11 men and women stabbed at a Walmart in Traverse City is in critical condition anymore. Munson Medical Center said the medical staff has seen "encouraging signs of recovery" from the victims, who range in age from 29 to 84. Four of them are listed in serious condition and seven in fair condition, per WDIV. Authorities said they're seeking a terrorism charge against the suspect, who was taken into custody Saturday after being held by bystanders, in addition to the 11 counts of assault with intent to murder that he faces, per NBC News. Officials said they believe the attacks to have been random.

• The attack: The stabbings began near the store's checkout area, officials said. Steven Carter was loading his truck in the Walmart parking lot just after 4pm when he saw a man cut a woman's throat with a knife, per the AP. About five minutes later, the man was surrounded by shoppers in the parking lot, including one who was holding a gun. The group of five or six people kept yelling to the man "Drop the knife," Carter said, and the man responded: "I don't care, I don't care." He kept backing away from the crowd until someone tackled and subdued him. A woman said bystanders comforted two of the victims while other customers chased the attacker. They held him until first responders arrived, per MLIVE.
• Praise for bystanders: "I will tell you they were absolutely instrumental in preventing further injuries, potential casualties," Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said, per the Detroit Free Press. A video posted by WZZM appears to show the bystanders confronting the suspect.

• The suspect: Shea identified the suspect as Bradford Gille of Afton, Michigan, per the AP. He said Gille has been involved in "prior assaultive incidents as well as controlled substance violations." The sheriff told reporters that there are indications that Gille once lived in the county, per MLIVE, though he now lives about 90 miles from Traverse City. Officials said the motive behind the attack isn't clear.
• On a terrorism count: The FBI, which is assisting the investigation, defines domestic terrorism as a violent act intended to further ideological goals rooted in domestic influences, such as political, religious, social, racial or environmental beliefs. County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg said officials believe the attack was "in some ways done to affect the entire community," per NBC.
• Witnesses: "At first, it was disbelief. I thought maybe it was like a terror attack," said Carter, who delivers orders to Walmart customers. "And then it was fear, disbelief, shock. And that was, it was just amazing. And it all happened fast. Like he was totally subdued on the ground by the time police arrived." Angela Helfrich said, "It was just very panicky, very scary," adding: "I was way too close. That could have been me or my family, and I feel awful for all the victims and their families."
• The location: Traverse City, a popular vacation spot, is on Lake Michigan about 250 miles northwest of Detroit. The area is known for its cherry festival, wineries, and lighthouses. Among the people issuing statements of support for the victims on Sunday was former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who lives there.