Authorities in Michigan are preparing to file terrorism and multiple assault charges against Bradford James Gille, 42, following a harrowing stabbing attack at a Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2025. The incident left 11 shoppers injured, including one Walmart employee, with victims ranging in age from 21 to 84 years old. Thankfully, all are expected to survive, though several were hospitalized in serious condition.
The attack unfolded around 4:43 p.m. in the busy Walmart store located in Garfield Township, a community of approximately 16,000 people situated along Lake Michigan. Sheriff Michael Shea of Grand Traverse County described the event as a "very random act of violence" with no predetermined victims. The assailant wielded a folding knife with a blade measuring roughly 3.5 inches, stabbing five men and six women as he moved through the store, starting near the checkout area.
Witness accounts paint a chaotic scene. Julia Martell, 30, who was shopping in the canned vegetables aisle, heard screams and saw the suspect running through the pharmacy section, shoving and stabbing people indiscriminately. She recounted, "There was blood everywhere," as she fled past three people with stab wounds. Steven Carter, another witness, described seeing the attacker stab a woman in the throat in the parking lot before bystanders, including one armed with a pistol, confronted and detained the suspect.
Law enforcement responded swiftly, with emergency calls beginning at 4:43 p.m. and a sheriff's deputy arriving just three minutes later at 4:46 p.m. By that time, a group of five or six shoppers had surrounded Gille, effectively preventing further harm. "I commend them, it's not very often we have citizens that are willing to step up and take action," Sheriff Shea said, emphasizing the crucial role these bystanders played in halting the rampage. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Gille, who has a history of "assaultive type allegations as well as controlled substance violations," remains jailed at Grand Traverse County Jail awaiting formal charges and arraignment expected on Monday, July 28, or Tuesday, July 29. Authorities are still investigating his motive, with Sheriff Shea stating, "As far as a motive, that's yet to be determined." Detectives, assisted by the FBI, have interviewed the suspect at length as part of the ongoing inquiry.
County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg explained the decision to file a terrorism charge, saying, "It’s something that is done not to individual people, not to those individual victims — obviously they are most affected — but it is, we believe, in some ways done to affect the entire community, to put fear in the entire community and to change how maybe we operate on a daily basis." This charge reflects the broader impact of the attack on the Traverse City community.
The victims' conditions have been steadily improving. Munson Medical Center's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tom Schermerhorn, reported that as of Monday morning, one patient remained in serious condition, five were in fair condition, two were in good condition, two had been treated and transferred, and one had been treated and released. "Everyone is expected to survive," he assured, praising the dedication of the hospital staff during this challenging time.
In response to the trauma, free counseling services have been made available to victims and community members at the Northwestern Michigan College Innovation Center in Traverse City, operating from Monday through Wednesday, July 28-30, 2025, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Walmart issued a statement condemning the violence, calling it "unacceptable," and expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency workers. The company also confirmed that store associates would continue to be paid while the store remains closed and that counseling services are being provided. The reopening date of the store has yet to be announced.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino affirmed federal support, stating that bureau officials were responding to provide any necessary assistance to local authorities. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also expressed her condolences, saying, "Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence."
Traverse City, known for its scenic location on Lake Michigan and popular tourist attractions such as the National Cherry Festival and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is grappling with the aftermath of this shocking event. Sheriff Shea remarked, "No area is immune to this kind of activity," underscoring the sobering reality that such violence can strike anywhere.
As the investigation continues, the community reflects on the bravery of the bystanders who intervened, the quick action of law enforcement, and the resilience of those affected. This tragic episode serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of community solidarity in the face of crisis.
