Traverse City, Michigan — In a shocking incident at a Walmart, a man identified as Bradford Gille, 42, from Afton, Michigan, is accused of randomly stabbing 11 shoppers before being restrained by bystanders in the store parking lot. Authorities confirmed on Sunday that Gille is expected to face serious charges, including terrorism and multiple counts of assault.
According to Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea, the motive behind Gille's violent actions remains unclear. Gille has a history of prior assaultive incidents and controlled substance violations. During his arrest, he reportedly offered little information to law enforcement. He is set to be charged with one count of terrorism, reflecting the broader impact of his actions on the community, and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.
Shea commended the rapid response from law enforcement, who arrived at the scene just three minutes after the first emergency calls were placed. A sheriff’s deputy reached the Walmart parking lot at 4:46 p.m., shortly after the first reports of the attack came in at 4:43 p.m. The sheriff described the efforts of both law enforcement and bystanders as “remarkable,” stating that they likely prevented further harm. Gille was detained just one minute after officers arrived, with the attack involving a 3.5-inch (approximately 9-centimeter) cutting blade.
Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg explained that the terrorism charge is warranted due to the attack's intent to instill fear within the entire community, rather than targeting specific individuals. “This is something that affects the entire community and changes how we operate on a daily basis,” she said, emphasizing the broader implications of such violent acts.
The victims of the attack, ranging in age from 29 to 84, included both men and women, as well as a Walmart employee. Dr. Tom Schermerhorn, Chief Medical Officer at Munson Medical Center, provided an update on the victims' conditions, confirming that one individual was treated and released, two are in serious condition, and the remaining victims are in fair condition. Fortunately, all are expected to survive.
Several eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as it unfolded. Steven Carter, who was loading his truck at the time, witnessed Gille stabbing a woman in the throat. He recalled how a group of five or six shoppers confronted Gille, urging him to drop the knife while one individual brandished a firearm. “It was disbelief at first, then fear and shock,” Carter recounted. “It all happened so fast.”
Another witness, Tiffany DeFell, expressed her fear as she experienced the chaos first-hand. “This is something you see out of the movies. It’s not what you expect to see where you’re living,” she said, highlighting the unexpected nature of such violence in their community.
The weapon used in the attack was described as a folding-style knife, with the stabbing reportedly starting near the checkout counter. Walmart has stated it will continue to cooperate with law enforcement throughout the investigation. The store will remain closed for the time being, but employees will continue to receive pay, and counseling services will be offered to those affected.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that the bureau is providing necessary support in response to this incident. Traverse City, known for its scenic beauty, including the cherry festival and nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is now shaken by this tragic event that has reverberated throughout the community.
