TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A man named Bradford Gille, 42, from Afton, Michigan, is accused of entering a Walmart in Traverse City on July 26, 2025, and randomly stabbing 11 shoppers. Authorities are preparing to charge him with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. The attack, which left the community of about 16,000 in shock, has raised questions regarding Gille’s motive, which remains unclear as he has a history of prior assaultive incidents and controlled substance violations.

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea commended the rapid response of law enforcement, who arrived just three minutes after receiving the first emergency calls at 4:43 p.m. Meanwhile, a group of bystanders intervened and detained Gille in the store's parking lot, preventing further harm. The attack reportedly commenced shortly after Gille entered the store at approximately 4:10 p.m., with calls to authorities beginning shortly thereafter.

Shea emphasized the remarkable coordination that led to Gille being subdued swiftly, mentioning that the weapon used was a 3.5-inch folding knife. "I cannot commend everyone that was involved enough," Shea remarked at a news conference, highlighting that the time from the emergency call to Gille's custody was merely one minute.

The impending terrorism charge is significant, according to Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg, as it reflects the broader fear induced within the community rather than just the individual victims. "It’s something that is done...to affect the entire community, to put fear in the entire community and to change how maybe we operate on a daily basis," she articulated, explaining the rationale for the charge.

The victims of the attack, aged between 29 and 84, included both men and women, as well as a Walmart employee. Dr. Tom Schermerhorn, Munson Medical Center's Chief Medical Officer, reported that while one patient was treated and released, two others were in serious condition, with the remaining victims in fair condition—all expected to survive.

Witness Steven Carter was in the Walmart parking lot when he witnessed the stabbing of a woman. He recounted seeing the attacker surrounded by bystanders, some of whom were armed and urged Gille to drop the knife. "At first, it was disbelief. I thought maybe it was like a terror attack," Carter said, describing the suddenness and chaos of the situation.

Another witness, Tiffany DeFell, expressed her fear when the chaos erupted, stating, "This is something you see out of the movies. It’s not what you expect to see where you’re living." Sheriff Shea noted that the stabbings began near the checkout counter, and the victims were not specifically targeted.

Walmart, in response to the incident, stated its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation. They also confirmed that associates would continue to receive their pay while the store remains closed and that counseling services would be offered to affected employees. The precise timeline for the store's reopening is still uncertain.

The incident has drawn federal attention, with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino indicating that officials from the bureau are providing necessary support. Traverse City, which is recognized for its recreational attractions including the cherry festival and nearby national parks, is grappling with the aftermath of this violent episode.