Michael Shea at the local sheriff's office states that the victims appear to have been chosen randomly.
Eleven is too many, but thankfully it was not more, he says at a press conference.
In addition to the six critically injured, five people have serious injuries, the region's healthcare announces. A spokesperson for the largest hospital in the area states that all the victims have stab wounds
The incident occurred around 16.45 on Saturday, local time. According to Shea, the weapon was some kind of folding knife. The police were able to apprehend the suspect a few minutes later after the public helped to overpower the perpetrator.
The state's governor Gretchen Whitmer states that her office is in contact with the police. The federal police FBI is also involved.
Traverse City is located over 40 miles northwest of the major city Detroit and is a popular tourist destination by Lake Michigan.
