TRAVERSE CITY, MI — What began as an ordinary Saturday afternoon shopping trip turned into chaos and terror when a man armed with a folding knife launched a brutal stabbing spree inside a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. Eleven people were stabbed—randomly and without warning—before the attacker was finally stopped thanks to the courage of everyday Americans, including a legally armed citizen.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, reportedly entered the store around 4:10 p.m. and began attacking people near the checkout counters. He stabbed a total of 11 victims, both men and women, ranging from 29 to 84 years old, including a Walmart employee. Victims were attacked inside the store, in the vestibule, and even just outside the entrance.
Witnesses described scenes of horror as people screamed, fled, and attempted to help the wounded. One employee reported seeing a victim stabbed in the eye. At least three of the injured required emergency surgery, but thankfully, as of Sunday, all victims are expected to survive. Hospital officials have described their recovery as “encouraging,” with several already moved from critical to fair condition.
Heroic Citizens Step In
@highon16widez / TikTok
What could have been an even deadlier tragedy was cut short by the fast action of shoppers in the parking lot. After the rampage, Gille attempted to flee but was confronted by a group of five or six brave citizens, including one man legally carrying a firearm.
A good guy with a gun stopped the guy who stabbed 11 people at Walmart in Michigan today. Expect legacy media to give this ZERO coverage. pic.twitter.com/qGqqDVBqD3
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) July 27, 2025
In bystander video now widely circulated online, the group can be seen yelling at Gille to “drop the knife” and get on the ground. The armed citizen held him at gunpoint while others surrounded him, one even using a shopping cart to block his path. The standoff ended when one bystander tackled Gille to the pavement, subduing him until police arrived.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea praised the group’s actions at a press conference, calling their intervention “remarkable” and crediting them with saving lives. A sheriff’s deputy arrived just three minutes after the 911 call and took the suspect into custody without further incident.
“Armed citizens have often intervened to stop deadly attacks,” said Alan Gottlieb, who has co-authored several books dealing with the importance of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. “When such incidents occur, we are often disappointed when the establishment media seems to quickly downplay, if not completely ignore, the use of a firearm by an armed citizen to intervene and stop the mayhem. This time, the incident was captured on video, so it cannot be ignored. Mister Perry’s courageous action deserves recognition, not just by his fellow Michigan residents, but by Americans everywhere.
“We applaud Mr. Perry for stepping in when it really counted,” Gottlieb added. “We extend our hopes for the full and swift recovery of all 11 victims of this brutal attack, and we congratulate all of the other individuals who stepped in to back Mr. Perry as he confronted the suspect. We are convinced his heroic action not only saved lives, but was crucial in detaining the suspect so justice can now take its course.”
Charges & Investigation
Prosecutors are seeking one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder against Gille. Sheriff Shea confirmed that the suspect’s actions appeared completely random and were designed to inflict fear across the entire community—the legal basis for the terrorism charge. Authorities also noted Gille’s prior record involving assault and controlled substance violations. A motive remains under investigation.
Official Responses
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged the tragedy on X, stating:
“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.”
Note she made no mention of the brave citizens who stopped the attack, instead referring to “first responders,” which all assume is police and rescue.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed federal support for the investigation, posting:
“FBI personnel are on the ground in Traverse City to provide any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of the attacks at the Walmart.”
FBI personnel are responding to provide any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of the attacks at the Walmart.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) July 26, 2025
A Reminder of Why the Second Amendment Matters
This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of why law-abiding citizens carrying firearms are an essential line of defense when seconds matter. There were no police on scene when the stabbing spree ended—there were only armed and fearless citizens. They didn’t run. They didn’t hide. They acted. And because of that, the attacker was stopped before more lives were lost.
In a country where threats can strike anywhere—whether you’re at a school, a parade, or a grocery store—it’s crystal clear: the right to keep and bear arms isn’t just about liberty—it’s about public safety.
As law enforcement continues to investigate, one thing is already certain: a good guy with a gun helped stop a bad guy with a knife, and Traverse City is safer because of it. Our prayers go out to GOD for the injured.
Readers, stay heavily armed and always ready to be very dangerous.
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Good Guy with a Gun Helps Apprehend Escaped Inmate in Georgia
Imagine how many more victims this turd would have claimed if not for the armed citizen and his group of assisting bystanders. Watch as the media minimizes or just fails to report his contribution to containing the suspect, altogether. Great work, guys!
Oh, while it has been said before, it bears repeating, here:
“When seconds count, the police are minutes away.”
YOU are your own first responder. This man saved lives. This example is only one of many that happen on a daily timeline with the vast majority not making the news for reasons of political bias. If no one did anything to stop the attacker and just waited for the police there would have likely been more victims and maybe the attacker could have gotten away. The cops can’t be everywhere all the time nor would I want them to be. At BEST, there is response time to consider which is usually in the several tens of minuets. Someone can… Read more »
In other articles, he’s described as a former Marine and a genuinely good guy.
I’m glad he did what he did, but I’m also glad he didn’t need to fire. Ain’t no tellin’ whom or what he would have hit.
Someone needs to take dredlilocks aside and show him how to properly hold his firearm! Sideways and with his thumb over the top of the slide. Frgn idiot.