42‑Year‑Old Man Held After Knife Attack Injures 11 in Traverse City

A knife attack at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, left 11 people injured on Saturday afternoon, July 26. Authorities say a 42‑year‑old man acted alone and was subdued by shoppers in the parking lot before deputies arrived. He is expected to face one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea identified the suspect as Bradford James Gille, of Afton in Cheboygan County. Investigators say he entered the store around 4:10 p.m. and began stabbing customers roughly 30 minutes later with a folding knife with a 3.5‑inch blade. The first 911 calls came in at about 4:43 p.m.; a sheriff’s deputy reached the scene within roughly two minutes.

The attack started near the checkout area and appeared random, according to Shea. Bystanders — including one armed citizen — confronted Gille outside and forced him to drop the knife, preventing his escape. He was taken into custody without injury.

Victims include six men and five women, ranging in age from 29 to 84; one is a Walmart employee. Officials released an age list for all 11 victims on Sunday.

Hospital officials initially reported five patients in serious condition and six in critical condition on Saturday night. By Sunday afternoon, conditions had improved: 2 serious, 8 fair, 1 treated and released. All are expected to survive, Munson Healthcare said.

Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg said an arraignment is expected Monday, July 28, and confirmed the terrorism charge reflects an alleged intent to terrorize the community. The FBI said personnel are assisting the sheriff’s office. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed support for victims and first responders.