What started as an ordinary afternoon of shopping in Traverse City, Michigan, quickly turned into a terrifying scene on Saturday.
Shoppers at a local Walmart were suddenly thrown into panic when a man began randomly stabbing people in the store.
Suspect Identified as 42-Year-Old Bradford James Gille
Authorities have now identified the attacker as Bradford James Gille, a 42-year-old man who allegedly carried out the stabbing rampage with a folding pocket knife.
According to officials, Gille will be facing charges of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.
The Attack Was Swift and Frightening
Gille reportedly entered the store without warning and began stabbing people at random.
The attack left 11 people injured—men and women ranging in age from 21 to 84.
One of the victims was a Walmart employee. Thankfully, the chaos was short-lived.
Within just one minute of the first emergency call, bystanders had managed to subdue Gille, helping law enforcement detain him swiftly.
Prosecutor Says Intent Was to Spread Fear
Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg said investigators believe Gille’s actions were meant to terrify the broader community.
“He wanted to affect the entire community, to put fear in the entire community, and to change how maybe we operate on a daily basis,” she explained at a press conference.
Quick Thinking Likely Saved Lives
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea praised the courage and speed of the people who helped detain Gille.
“The individual was detained within one minute,” Shea emphasized. “That is remarkable.
When you look at it in that mitigated—Lord knows how many additional victims there could have been.”
Victims in Varying Conditions
Dr. Tom Schermerhorn, Chief Medical Officer at Munson Medical Center, shared updates on the victims’ conditions.
Of the 11 people injured, one has already been treated and released. Two remain in serious condition, while the rest are in fair condition.
Gille Remains in Custody, Arraignment Expected Soon
Gille is currently being held at Grand Traverse County Jail and is expected to be formally arraigned either Monday or Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the community is left grappling with the shock of such a violent and random attack in a place as routine as a local supermarket.
This Story Is Still Developing
As more information becomes available, updates are expected.
For now, the quick response from ordinary citizens and first responders is being credited with preventing what could have been an even more devastating tragedy.
