A 42-year-old man is facing serious charges following a harrowing incident at a Walmart supermarket in Traverse City, Michigan, where he allegedly stabbed 11 shoppers on Saturday afternoon. The assailant, Bradford James Gille, used a folding knife to attack five men and six women, including a Walmart employee. The victims, who range in age from 21 to 84, are all reported to be recovering from their injuries.
Gille is set to be arraigned on Monday or Tuesday, as investigators work to uncover the motive behind the attacks. Although officials have not disclosed a definitive reason for the stabbings, they have deemed the terrorism charge appropriate, indicating that the random nature of the assault aimed to instill fear within the community.
Speaking to reporters, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea praised the quick response of law enforcement, noting that deputies arrived just two minutes after the first emergency call was received. He praised several citizens, one of whom was armed with a pistol, for confronting the suspect in the parking lot and preventing further harm. The sheriff confirmed that Gille was taken into custody without additional incident.
The ongoing investigation involves collaboration with the FBI, as detectives seek to determine the suspect's reasons and actions leading up to the violent attack. Joe Pennington, a spokesperson for Walmart, expressed the company's solidarity with the victims, condemning the unacceptable violence and thanking first responders for their prompt actions.
In a statement reflecting the community's sentiment, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her support for the victims and the community grappling with the aftermath of this brutal attack. Traverse City is situated approximately 255 miles (410 km) north-west of Detroit, adding to the gravity of the shocking event in the relatively quiet town.
