TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. () — Authorities announced Sunday that a Michigan man who allegedly carried out a violent stabbing spree inside a Walmart store, injuring 11 individuals, is expected to face one count of terrorism and multiple counts of assault with intent to murder.
The suspect, identified as Bradford Gille, 42, of Afton, Michigan, was subdued by bystanders in the store’s parking lot shortly after the attack. Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea stated that Gille has a criminal history involving assault and controlled substances. His motive remains unclear, and he reportedly said very little upon arrest.
The incident unfolded in Traverse City, a lakeside community of around 16,000 residents. Gille entered the Walmart around 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and began his attack just over 30 minutes later. Emergency calls were placed at 4:43 p.m., and a sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene within three minutes.
Authorities said Gille used a folding knife with a 3.5-inch blade and that his victims were randomly targeted. Sheriff Shea praised the “remarkable” actions of law enforcement and civilians who intervened, crediting their swift response with preventing further harm.
Terrorism Charges Based on Community Impact
Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg said Gille will face a terrorism charge, not solely due to harm against individuals, but because the attack was seen as a threat to the wider community.
“This is about instilling fear across an entire community — affecting how people live, move, and feel in their daily lives,” Moeggenberg said at a press briefing.
Gille remained in custody Sunday, but did not appear in online jail records, and no attorney has yet been listed on his behalf. Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
Victims and Medical Updates
The victims, both men and women, ranged in age from 29 to 84 years old, including one Walmart employee. Dr. Tom Schermerhorn, Chief Medical Officer at Munson Medical Center, said one patient had already been released, two remained in serious condition, and the others were in fair condition. All are expected to survive.
Eyewitness Accounts and Heroic Intervention
Steven Carter, a Walmart delivery worker, said he saw a woman being stabbed in the neck while loading his truck. Moments later, he witnessed a group of five or six bystanders confront Gille in the parking lot — one reportedly armed — urging him to drop the knife. Gille reportedly responded, “I don’t care,” before being tackled and restrained.
“It felt surreal — like a scene from a terror attack,” Carter said. “And then it was just fear, shock, and disbelief. But the response was fast, and he was on the ground before the police even arrived.”
Investigation and Community Response
Law enforcement and emergency crews quickly secured the scene, and officers interviewed employees still in their Walmart uniforms. Tiffany DeFell, a customer from nearby Honor, said she witnessed the aftermath: “It was terrifying — something out of a movie. You don’t expect this to happen where you live.”
Sheriff Shea confirmed the attack began near the store’s checkout lanes and reiterated that victims were chosen at random.
Walmart issued a statement expressing support for law enforcement and confirmed the store will remain closed while the investigation continues. Associates will be paid during the closure and offered counseling services.
The FBI has also responded to assist, according to Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Traverse City, a popular tourist destination known for its cherry festival and lakefront attractions, is located approximately 25 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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