Quick Facts About The Traverse City Walmart Stabbing: Motive, Suspect Bradford James Gille, Victims, And More

A routine Saturday afternoon in the US turned into a scene of terror at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, when a man armed with a knife stabbed 11 people. The attack, described by police as random and unprovoked, sent shoppers searching for safety and has shaken the normally quiet northern Michigan community.

According to reports, the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, was swiftly taken into custody. All 11 victims are expected to survive, but the impact on the local community has been profound.

Authorities say Gille used a folding knife to carry out the attack before being confronted by bystanders in the store's parking lot. As police work to determine a motive, questions remain about what led to this outburst of violence and how it could have been prevented.

Who Is Bradford James Gille?

Bradford James Gille, originally from Afton and most recently residing in Cheboygan, reportedly has a history of run-ins with the law. According to Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea, Gille has multiple prior arrests related to criminal mischief and drug offences.

In 2014, he served 49 days in a Florida jail for vandalism.

Beyond his criminal record, Gille is believed to have authored two self-published books. The works, available online, present deeply personal and religious narratives, including claims of past-life visions and identifying himself as Jesus Christ.

Although police have yet to confirm any official motive behind the attack, these reported writings and past behaviour may offer some insight into his mental state.

What Happened Inside the Store?

According to reports, the stabbing began at approximately 4:43 p.m. on July 26 2025. As per the witnesses' account, Gille entered the Walmart Superstore and began attacking shoppers near the checkout and pharmacy areas with a folding knife.

The victims, ranging in age from 29 to 85, included six people over the age of 60. Sheriff Shea said that the attack appeared to be entirely random.

Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with some victims bleeding heavily and others fleeing in panic. One shopper, Julia Martell, told reporters, 'I heard screaming and saw a man running through the pharmacy section, stabbing people. It was chaos, there was blood everywhere.'

Bystanders Stepped in to Stop the Attacker

In the face of danger, several bystanders stepped up to stop Gille from attacking more people. One of them, Marine veteran Derrick Perry, played a key role in detaining the suspect. Alongside three other men, Perry confronted Gille in the parking lot.

In a dramatic moment captured on video, they shouted at him to drop the knife while one man held him at gunpoint.

'Get on the ground! Drop the knife!' the men yelled repeatedly. Eventually, Gille complied and was taken into custody by a sheriff's deputy who arrived within three minutes of the first 911 call. Sheriff Shea praised the bravery of those who intervened. 'It's not very often that we have citizens that are willing to step up and take action.'

The Victims and Medical Response

According to reports, all 11 victims were transported to Munson Medical Centre. As of Saturday night, six were reported in critical condition and five in serious condition. Munson Healthcare later confirmed that all are expected to recover. 'Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event,' the hospital said in a statement, adding that it was experiencing a high volume of patients as a result of the incident.

Meanwhile, Gille is currently being held in the Grand Traverse County Jail. He faces one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. His arraignment is expected early in the week.

Authorities say Gille acted alone and have found no evidence of accomplices or ideological motive, though the investigation is ongoing.

Walmart has also responded to the incident, saying, 'Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we're thankful for the swift action of first responders.'