A quiet shopping trip turned into a horrifying scene over the weekend when a man went on a violent stabbing spree inside a Walmart in Garfield Township, Michigan. The attacker, armed with a folding knife, injured 11 people before being stopped by brave bystanders in the parking lot — one of whom was armed. The suspect, 42-year-old Bradford Gille of Afton, now faces serious charges, including terrorism and multiple counts of attempted murder.
What Happened at the Walmart in Garfield Township
The chaos unfolded just before 5 p.m. on Saturday when Gille entered the Walmart and allegedly began stabbing random shoppers. According to witnesses, he targeted elderly individuals and those unable to move quickly, including people in wheelchairs. The attacks seemed sudden and without warning, leaving many customers in panic and fear.
Shopper Julia Martell described the terrifying scene, saying, “There was blood everywhere… people sitting at the ends of aisles, just bleeding.” Victims ranged in age from 29 to 84, with at least three people in their 80s and one in their 70s suffering serious injuries.
How the Suspect Was Stopped
Police say Gille was stopped outside the store by a group of courageous citizens. One of them was legally carrying a firearm and helped keep Gille from escaping or attacking more people until a sheriff’s deputy arrived on the scene at 4:46 p.m.
“A Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Deputy was near the location and arrived quickly,” said the sheriff’s office. “Multiple citizens, including an armed individual, confronted the suspect and prevented further harm.”
The deputy took Gille into custody without any additional violence.
Charges and Investigation
Bradford Gille is now charged with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. At this time, investigators have not determined a motive for the attack, and it’s unclear if Gille has made any statements to police.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities reviewing witness statements and security footage to piece together exactly what happened and why.
Witnesses Share Their Experience
Tiffany DeFell, another shopper who witnessed the stabbing, told the Associated Press, “It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out. This is something you see in movies, not in your neighborhood Walmart.”
Walmart driver Steven Carter shared a chilling detail, saying he saw a woman’s throat get slashed during the attack. Carter also said Gille shouted, “I don’t care, I don’t care,” as the group restrained him in the parking lot.
Victims and Community Response
The community is now rallying around the victims, several of whom remain hospitalized. Police and local leaders are praising the quick and brave response of citizens who stepped in before more lives were lost. No fatalities have been reported yet, but some injuries are believed to be severe.
This violent attack has shocked Michigan and raised questions about public safety in everyday places like supermarkets. As investigators continue to uncover details, the community is left dealing with the trauma — and showing gratitude to those who stepped up in the face of danger. The heroic actions of everyday shoppers likely prevented a much worse tragedy.
