A Michigan man went on a violent stabbing spree at a Walmart over the weekend, injuring 11 individuals, before being subdued by multiple citizens, including one armed with a pistol, authorities say. Bradford Gille, 42, of Afton, is facing one charge of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder after allegedly stabbing nearly a dozen people at the Walmart in Garfield Township, according to the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene that unfolded Saturday afternoon, with one shopper, Julia Martell, recalling how Gille seemed to target older patrons, including those who “couldn’t physically get out of his way” and individuals in wheelchairs. “It looked like he was going after people who couldn’t move fast enough,” said Martell.
The victims ranged in age from 29 to 84, including three in their 80s and a 70-year-old. Martell described the gruesome aftermath: “There was blood everywhere. There were people kind of sitting at the ends of aisles, just bleeding.” The police responded to the scene at around 5 p.m. Saturday after receiving multiple calls about the attack. By the time law enforcement arrived, a group of citizens had already intervened.
A Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s deputy reached the Walmart at 4:46 p.m., but by then, the suspect had been confronted in the parking lot by “multiple citizens,” including one who was armed with a pistol. The deputy quickly took Gille into custody without further incident, according to local NBC affiliates WPBN and WGTU.
The sheriff’s office confirmed in a statement that a motive for the attack has yet to be determined and that it remains unclear whether Gille has made any statements to police during interviews. Witness Tiffany DeFell, 36, described the chaotic scene as “really scary” and added, “My sister and I were just freaking out. This is something you see in the movies. It’s not what you expect to see where you’re living.”
Steven Carter, a Walmart delivery driver, recounted witnessing a woman’s throat being slashed before Gille was stopped. “I don’t care, I don’t care,” Gille reportedly told those who helped restrain him, according to Carter. Gille was booked at the Grand Traverse County Jail and was awaiting arraignment on Sunday. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and the community remains in shock after the violent attack, who spoke to the Associated Press.