A Marine veteran confronted a knife-wielding suspect after 11 people were stabbed inside a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, on Saturday evening.
The dramatic confrontation unfolded just after 5 p.m. when shoppers tackled the suspect in the parking lot. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, is facing terrorism and 11 attempted murder charges.
Armed Civilian Steps In
Cellphone footage shows Marine veteran Derrick Perry confronting Gille with a handgun, shouting for him to drop the knife.
“Drop it! Throw the knife now. Throw it away!” Perry can be heard yelling in the video.
Perry and other customers surrounded the suspect, forcing him to the ground. One victim can be seen lying near the store entrance.
Michigan Mass Stabbing: At least 11 people were injured in a horrifying attack inside a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan!
📡 What We Know: The knife-wielding attacker was subdued by a group of brave shoppers before police arrived and took him into custody. The identity of the… pic.twitter.com/65U2F18jI4— John Cremeans (@JohnCremeansX) July 27, 2025
Suspect Had Criminal Record
Sheriff Michael Shea confirmed Gille has prior arrests for drug offenses and vandalism. During Saturday’s attack, Gille randomly stabbed shoppers, injuring 11 people between the ages of 29 and 85. Six victims were over the age of 60.
All victims are expected to survive. As of Sunday, four remained in serious condition and seven were in fair condition, according to Munson Medical Center.
Witnesses Held the Attacker
Several shoppers, including Perry, chased Gille out of the store and restrained him in the parking lot until police arrived.
“It was just very panicky, very scary,” witness Angela Helfrich told local media. “I was way too close. That could have been me or my family.”
Public Reaction
Perry’s actions have drawn widespread praise online. Some called for him to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Family members also commended him, calling it a “proud daughter moment” and describing him as a “true hero.”
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who lives in the area, also commented on the incident, calling the attack “awful and senseless.”
