What began as a normal weekend shopping trip in Traverse City, Michigan quickly spiraled into horror—until one brave bystander stepped up and changed everything.
When chaos erupted at a local Walmart on Saturday afternoon, shoppers found themselves in the middle of a violent stabbing spree.
But one man’s quick actions may have saved countless lives.
Panic Erupts Inside the Store
Witnesses say the terrifying moment unfolded without warning.
A man, later identified as 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, suddenly began attacking people at random using a folding pocket knife.
Eleven individuals—both men and women, ranging in age from 21 to 84—were stabbed before help could arrive.
One of the victims was a Walmart employee, and officials described the attack as a “very random act of violence.”
A Hero Emerges in the Chaos
In the middle of that horror, ex-Marine Derrick Perry didn’t hesitate.
Carrying a legally concealed firearm, Perry confronted the attacker and held him at gunpoint.
By then, Gille had already injured 11 people, but Perry’s swift response gave others the precious seconds they needed to escape.
Even before police arrived, Perry—along with a few other courageous customers—managed to corner the attacker in the store’s parking lot.
At one point, video showed someone using a shopping cart to help pin the man down.
Shouts, Struggle, and One Final Demand
The scene was tense, but Perry and the other men remained calm under pressure.
Shouts of “Drop the knife!” and “Get on the ground!” rang out.
Gille, visibly stunned, backed away until one man finally tackled him and wrestled him to the ground.
According to police, Gille kept muttering, “I don’t care. I don’t care,” even as he was subdued.
Police Arrive Within Minutes
Thanks to Perry’s intervention and the help of a few other brave bystanders, officers arrived to find the attacker already in custody.
Sheriff Mike Shea said the first 911 call came in at 4:43pm, and deputies were on the scene by 4:46pm.
From the time of the first call to the moment Gille was detained took about a minute—a response Shea described as “remarkable.”
A Daughter’s Pride and a Town’s Gratitude
Perry’s family is beaming with pride. His daughter called it a “proud daughter moment,” while his daughter-in-law simply called him a “true hero.”
Online, supporters praised him for being prepared to act responsibly with a concealed weapon.
“This is what the Second Amendment is all about,” one user commented.
Others even called for Perry to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his actions.
Victims’ Conditions and Hospital Update
Doctors at Munson Medical Center provided an update Sunday, saying that one of the victims had already been treated and released.
Two more remained in serious condition, while the rest were in fair condition.
The hospital has been working closely with law enforcement and families throughout the weekend.
Officials Call It an Act of Terrorism
Prosecutors aren’t treating this as a typical assault.
Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg said Gille will face terrorism charges, along with multiple counts of assault with intent to murder.
She explained that investigators believe the attacker intended to instill fear across the entire community—not just target individuals.
Community and National Response
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her sorrow, saying: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence.”
The FBI also confirmed it is supporting the investigation, and Walmart released a statement calling the violence “unacceptable,” while thanking first responders and those who intervened.
A Peaceful Vacation Town, Now Shaken
Traverse City is usually known for its scenic charm—home to wineries, lighthouses, and the famous Cherry Festival.
But this weekend, the peaceful Michigan town found itself shaken by a shocking, random act of violence.
Still, amidst the fear, one man’s courage brought hope—and possibly prevented a far worse tragedy.