Walmart stabbing suspect to be charged with terrorism
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday that they will seek terrorism charges, among others, against Bradford James Gille, the man they say stabbed 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday night.
TRAVERSE CITY, MICH (FOX 2) – Authorities said Sunday they will seek to file terrorism charges and 11 charges of assault with intent to murder against a 42-year-old man accused of carrying out a knife attack at a Walmart store in Traverse City.
What we know:
During a Sunday press conference, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office said 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, of Afton, acted alone when he entered the Walmart after 4 p.m. and used a folding knife to stab 11 people.
A sheriff’s deputy arrived on scene within minutes and took the man into custody. Officials said citizens at Walmart helped to apprehend the suspect and treat the victims.
The knife that Bradford Gille used to stab 11 people at the Walmart in Traverse City on July 26. (Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office.)
All the victims were taken to Munson Medical Center to be treated for their injuries.
Gille was transported to the Grand Traverse County Jail where he will remain pending formal charges and arraignment. A motive is still unknown.
The Latest:
Munson Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Schermerhorn said at a press conference Sunday one victim had been treated and released from the hospital; two people were listed in serious condition; and the rest are in fair condition.
“Our dedicated team of physicians, surgeons, nurses, clinicians, and support staff remain focused on providing a healing environment for all those affected by this tragic incident,” said Munson Healthcare in a statement. “Their unwavering commitment and compassion are a testament to the strength and resilience of our healthcare community. Additionally, we are working on providing additional emotional support for our employees in light of this incident. We extend our continued support to the victims and their families during this very difficult time.”
What they’re saying:
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Micheal D. Shea confirmed the victims were both men and women and they ranged in age from 29 to 84. One victim was a Walmart employee.
The victims’ ages were 29 (female), 38 (male), 39 (m), 40 (m), 55 (m), 65 (f), 67 (f), 70 (m), 80 (f), 82 (m) and 84 (f)
“Initially it started near the checkout counter,” Shea said during a press conference.
Shea said it was “very uncommon” for an incident like this to happen in their area.
“Unfortunately, no one is immune,” he said. “Based on the information we have at this time, it appears they were random acts.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also spoke about the incident in a post on X.
“I’m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City. Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect,” she wrote.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a social media post that bureau officials were responding to “provide any necessary support.”
What’s next:
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the incident and provide updates when additional details are available.
Employees from the Cadillac Walmart store posted a photo and words of encouragement for their colleagues in Traverse City on Sunday morning.
“We stand with you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire community as you try to heal from this horrible tragedy! We are not just neighbors, we’re Walmart Family! We love you,” the post on Facebook said.
Employees at the Cadillac Walmart store show their support for colleagues in Traverse City.
11 stabbed at Traverse City Walmart, suspect acted alone said police
Just before 5 p.m. Saturday, several people were stabbed at Walmart in Traverse City. The suspect, a male who is a Michigan resident, used a “standard” folding knife, according to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office. Police said that all the victims were taken to Munson Medical Center. A statement from Munson confirmed there were 11 victims brought to the medical center.
The Source: Information for this story came from The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office and Munson Healthcare.
