GARFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI – Chaos gripped a Walmart in Garfield Township on Saturday afternoon when a man allegedly launched a violent stabbing attack, injuring 11 people before being confronted by bystanders in the parking lot.
Authorities identified the suspect as Bradford Gille, 42, of Afton. Gille is facing a terrorism charge and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder after a spree that left customers between the ages of 29 and 84 wounded.
Shoppers described a sudden onslaught, with witnesses reporting that the suspect appeared to target those less able to escape, including elderly patrons and individuals in wheelchairs. Witnesses said the scene quickly turned frantic as people scrambled for safety.
Emergency calls to police began shortly before 5 p.m., prompting a swift law enforcement response. When deputies arrived, they found multiple citizens had already intervened in the parking lot, including one person who drew a pistol and helped prevent the suspect from either fleeing the scene or harming others further. Officers took Gille into custody without further incident.
Authorities said a motive in the attack has not yet been determined, and investigators continue to interview Gille as part of the ongoing investigation.
Among the wounded were several seniors, including three victims in their 80s and a 70-year-old. Both men and women suffered injuries in the attack, though specific details about their conditions were not immediately released.
Witnesses described a chaotic and bloody aftermath inside the store, with some victims clutching their injuries and receiving aid from bystanders as they waited for emergency crews to arrive.
The attack sent shockwaves through the community, with shoppers expressing disbelief that such violence could erupt in an otherwise routine setting. Many said they had never seen anything like it before.
Law enforcement officials praised the quick actions of the citizens who stepped in to stop the assault, emphasizing that their intervention may have prevented additional harm.
Following his arrest, Gille was transported to the Grand Traverse County Jail, where he remained in custody awaiting formal arraignment as of Sunday.
The Walmart was closed for several hours after the incident while investigators collected evidence and interviewed witnesses. The store’s management stated they were cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Authorities urged anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.