Michigan Man Launches Random Knife Attack Inside Walmart

A 42-year-old man, Bradford James Gille, entered a Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City, Michigan, armed with a knife. He walked toward the self-checkout area, where a 13-year-old girl and her friend were checking out. Suddenly, they heard an employee yell, “He’s got a knife!” Panic erupted.

Gille proceeded to stab 11 people — five men and six women — including a Walmart employee. The victims ranged in age from 21 to 84 years old. Two of them, Matt Kolakowski and his brother-in-law Chris O’Brien, witnessed the attack unfold. Kolakowski, a former Marine, chased after Gille despite not being armed.

Kolakowski watched as Gille stabbed a man in the shoulder and an elderly woman in the back while trying to flee the store. In the parking lot, Kolakowski saw his opportunity and rammed a shopping cart into Gille’s ankle. He then slammed the cart into Gille again, though Gille managed to dodge it. Other bystanders joined in, helping trap Gille between large metal poles and nearby vehicles.

In an interview, Kolakowski shared, 

“He was screaming something about him being a soldier, and that everybody in Walmart were bad people.”

Another man, also a Marine, happened to be carrying a firearm and drew his weapon on Gille. Kolakowski said, “The other Marine told me that he had just gone shooting at a range and forgot to take his pistol off his hip. That’s what it all came down to.”

Gille eventually dropped the knife and stayed put until police arrived.

None of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries. One person has been released from the hospital, while two remain in serious condition.

Investigators said the attack appeared to be random, and although no official motive has been disclosed, they are pursuing terrorism-related charges. Authorities explained that the terrorism charge is justified because the mass attack was believed to be “intended to bring fear and destruction to the community as a whole.”

At a press conference on Sunday, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea stated that deputies arrived at the Walmart within two minutes of the first 911 call.

“At the time of the deputy’s arrival, multiple citizens — including one armed with a pistol — were confronting the male suspect in the parking lot and preventing him from harming more people or escaping,” Shea said. “The deputy took the suspect into custody without further incident. Our detectives, with assistance from the FBI, interviewed him at length, and that will be part of the ongoing investigation.”

A Walmart spokesperson responded to the incident by saying,

 “Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders.”

Gille has been charged with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

According to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, Gille had a criminal history, including “prior assaultive incidents, as well as controlled substance violations.”

Tiffany DeFell, who was shopping at the time, told the Associated Press, 

“It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out. This is something you see out of the movies. It’s not what you expect to see where you’re living.”

Michigan State Police confirmed that the weapon Gille used in the attack was a folding knife.

If you would like to support my work, consider leaving me a tip at Buymeacoffee. Much appreciated