MAN STABS 11 AT WALMART

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, a horrific incident unfolded at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, a small tourist town known for its serene beaches and annual cherry festival. A 42-year-old man, identified as Bradford James Gille of Afton, Michigan, allegedly stabbed 11 people in what authorities described as a random act of violence. The attack, which took place around 4:43 p.m. near the store’s checkout area, left the community reeling and sparked a swift response from bystanders, law enforcement, and medical professionals.

The Attack

According to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, Gille entered the Walmart and, after lingering in the store for approximately 35 minutes, began attacking shoppers with a folding knife featuring a 3.5-inch blade. The victims, ranging in age from 21 to 84, included five women and six men, one of whom was a Walmart employee. The stabbings occurred primarily near the checkout counter, with one incident in the vestibule and another outside the store. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes, with blood visible in areas like the frozen food section and screams echoing as customers fled or confronted the attacker.

Sheriff Michael D. Shea emphasized that the attack appeared random, with no clear motive identified. “It appears that these were all random acts,” Shea said during a press conference, noting that the victims were not specifically targeted. Gille, who has a prior history of assault and controlled substance violations, reportedly shouted during the incident, claiming to be a “soldier” and describing Walmart shoppers as “bad people,” according to bystander Matt Kolakowski, a former Marine who helped intervene.

Citizen Intervention and Law Enforcement Response

The attack was halted within minutes, largely due to the bravery of bystanders. A group of citizens, including one armed with a legally concealed pistol, confronted Gille in the store’s parking lot, preventing further harm. Video footage circulating on social media, later verified by authorities, showed individuals yelling at Gille to drop his knife and get on the ground. One bystander, Kolakowski, used an empty shopping cart to ram Gille’s ankle and attempted to subdue him by lifting the cart overhead. Another bystander, also a Marine, drew a firearm but showed restraint, opting not to shoot, which Kolakowski later said allowed for justice to be served through the legal system.

A sheriff’s deputy arrived on the scene within three minutes of the first emergency call at 4:43 p.m., finding the bystanders already restraining Gille. The deputy took the suspect into custody without further incident. Sheriff Shea praised the citizens’ actions, stating, “What they did was amazing,” and credited their intervention with likely saving additional lives. The Michigan State Police Crime Lab and FBI personnel provided support, with the latter assisting in interrogating Gille and processing the scene.

Victim Conditions and Medical Response

Munson Medical Center, the region’s largest hospital, treated all 11 victims. As of Sunday afternoon, July 27, one victim had been released, two remained in serious condition, and eight were in fair condition, showing encouraging signs of recovery. Initially, six victims were reported in critical condition and five in serious condition, underscoring the severity of the injuries. Munson Healthcare commended its staff for their exemplary response, noting that every department worked tirelessly to care for both the stabbing victims and other patients during the crisis.

Legal Consequences

Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg announced that Gille faces one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. The terrorism charge stems from the attack’s apparent intent to instill fear in the community, a tactic often applied in mass violence cases, even without a clear ideological motive. If convicted, Gille could face life in prison. He was scheduled for arraignment on Monday, July 28, 2025. Sheriff Shea noted that security footage captured nearly all of the attack, providing critical evidence for the investigation.

Community and Official Reactions

The incident shocked Traverse City, a community of about 16,000 known for its picturesque setting and vibrant tourism. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her grief on social media, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence.” She thanked first responders for their swift action. Walmart issued a statement calling the violence “unacceptable” and pledged to support law enforcement while providing emotional support for affected employees.

Local residents and witnesses shared their disbelief. Angela Helfrich, who was shopping with her fiancé, described the panic and fear, noting, “That could have been me or my family.” Tiffany DeFell, a resident of nearby Honor, witnessed the chaos from the parking lot, while Walmart employee Tasha Nash recounted seeing a victim stabbed in the eye. The collective trauma was palpable, with many expressing gratitude for the bystanders who intervened.

Broader Implications

The Traverse City Walmart stabbing raises questions about public safety in everyday spaces. Sheriff Shea urged vigilance, stating, “No area is immune to this kind of activity.” The incident also highlights the role of armed citizens in stopping attacks, a point emphasized in social media posts praising the “good guy with a gun” who helped subdue Gille. However, claims on X suggesting the armed bystander was a minority or that Gille was “foreign” lack substantiation and should be treated cautiously.

As the investigation continues, authorities are analyzing security footage and witness accounts to piece together Gille’s actions and mindset. The community, meanwhile, grapples with the aftermath of a random act that shattered its sense of security. Munson Healthcare’s message of resilience and recovery reflects the town’s determination to heal, but the scars of July 26, 2025, will linger.

Sources: NPR, ABC News, CBS Detroit, The New York Times, BBC, NBC News, Fox News, CNN, POLITICO, PBS News, The Guardian, AP News, NewsNation, USA Today, The Washington Post, MPR News, times-news.com, clickondetroit.com, and posts on X.