11 injured at Traverse City Walmart Stabbing: Derrick Perry Hailed as Hero, Suspect Faces Terrorism Charges. A horrifying stabbing attack at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, on Saturday, July 27, 2025, left 11 people injured, including a Walmart employee. The victims ranged in age from 21 to 84, but thanks to the swift and courageous action of a shopper named Derrick Perry, many more lives were likely spared.
The suspect, Bradford James Gille, a 42-year-old man with a documented history of mental illness and prior assault allegations, has now been charged with terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.
Traverse City Walmart Stabbing: Derrick Perry Hailed as Hero, Suspect Faces Terrorism Charges
Panic in Traverse City: A Routine Shopping Trip Turns into Terror
Around 4:10 p.m., Gille entered the Walmart in the resort town of Traverse City and loitered inside for 35 minutes before launching his brutal attack.
Armed with a folding knife, Gille began randomly stabbing customers near the checkout area and continued into the parking lot.
Eyewitnesses described chaos and screams, as customers scrambled for safety. Police said five men and six women were wounded, with several in serious condition. Miraculously, all 11 victims are expected to survive.
Derrick Perry’s Heroic Response
While most people instinctively ran, Derrick Perry, who was shopping with his family, sprinted toward the suspect.
“He didn’t even hesitate,” said one witness. “Everyone else ran. Derrick ran toward the attacker. He was brave beyond words.”
Security footage shows Perry using a store shelf for cover before lunging at Gille, tackling him to the floor, and restraining him until law enforcement arrived.
Sources later confirmed that Perry had prior security training, which likely helped him remain composed under pressure.
Veterans and Bystanders Help Bring Down the Attacker
Perry wasn’t the only bystander to step in. Matt Kolakowski, a 39-year-old former Marine, was in the checkout line with his daughter and her friend when the attack began.
After ensuring the children were safe, Kolakowski and his brother-in-law, Chris O’Brien, joined the pursuit.
Kolakowski grabbed a shopping cart and used it as a makeshift weapon, slamming it into Gille’s ankle. He later described the confrontation:
“He dropped the knife, and I held him down until police arrived. I just turned into somebody that I haven’t been in a long time.”
Another former Marine, who had been to a shooting range earlier that day and was carrying his firearm, held Gille at gunpoint but showed restraint, choosing not to fire.
Law Enforcement Praises Civilian Bravery
Traverse City Police Chief Lauren Gilbert said the situation could have become a mass casualty event if not for the courageous actions of Perry and others:
“Had Derrick Perry not stepped in when he did, this could have been a massacre.”
Sheriff Michael Shea added that Gille was taken into custody within two minutes of the first emergency call, thanks to community members who subdued the attacker.
Bradford James Gille: A Troubled History
The suspect, Bradford James Gille, is no stranger to law enforcement. He has a criminal record involving assault and controlled substance violations.
Court documents accessed by The Detroit News reveal Gille was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at least 26 years ago.
His mother previously told reporters that Gille’s mental health was manageable with medication, but he often refused to take it due to delusions stemming from his illness.
“His illness tells him that he is fine and doesn’t need to take his medication,” she explained. “He’s also been through so many evaluations that he knows how to answer their questions.”
Authorities now confirm that Gille was already being sought by officials from Emmet County, who had obtained a court order for his detention due to concerns over his mental state.
Law Enforcement Was Searching for Gille Before the Attack
Emmet County Sheriff Matt Leirstein said his department had been actively searching for Gille in the hours leading up to the attack.
“We spent all night looking for him. It’s a tragedy, and my heart breaks for all the people involved.”
Gille, who is believed to have been homeless and “couch surfing,” was difficult to track. Authorities had limited information on his whereabouts.
“If we had more evidence of where he might be, we would have gone and executed that order,” Leirstein added.
Motive Remains Unclear, But Terrorism Charge Filed
Although Gille has not explained his motive, witnesses say he was shouting delusional statements, such as claiming to be a “soldier” and insisting that “everyone in Walmart were bad people.”
Investigators believe the random nature of the attack, paired with its potential to instill fear and disrupt daily life, warranted a terrorism charge.
“We believe in some ways, the act was meant to terrorize the community as a whole,” said Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg.
FBI Joins Investigation
The FBI is assisting local authorities in uncovering more about Gille’s past and his potential motivations.
Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed federal personnel had responded to Traverse City to support the investigation.
Detectives are also examining a self-published book allegedly authored by Gille, titled The Book of I Jesus Christ, to determine whether any ideological or religious delusions played a role.
Walmart Issues Statement, Community in Shock
Joe Pennington, spokesperson for Walmart, said the company is deeply saddened by the event.
“Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we’re thankful for the swift action of bystanders and first responders.”
The attack has left Traverse City, a scenic lakeside town known for its cherry festivals and wineries, in a state of disbelief and mourning.
“It was like something out of a horror movie,” said local resident Tiffany DeFell. “I never thought I’d see something like this here.”
Medical Update: All Victims Expected to Recover
Dr. Thomas Schermerhorn, Chief Medical Officer at Munson Healthcare, confirmed that all 11 victims are expected to survive.
- 4 remain in serious condition
- 7 are in fair condition
- 1 has already been discharged
Hospital staff credited early intervention, including tourniquets applied by Derrick Perry and Matt Kolakowski, for preventing fatalities.
National Recognition for Derrick Perry
Perry’s brave act has earned him national admiration. Traverse City officials are preparing to honor him publicly with a Community Hero Award.
Online petitions are calling for him to receive national commendations, including the Presidential Citizens Medal.
“He didn’t come in wearing a cape,” one resident posted on Facebook. “But he showed the kind of courage you only see in movies.”
Bodycam and Security Footage Released
CNN and the Associated Press obtained security and phone footage showing the attack and aftermath. In the videos:
- Shoppers can be seen confronting Gille
- People shout, “Drop the knife!”
- Derrick Perry restrains Gille on the pavement
- Victims are attended to as sirens wail and emergency crews arrive
A Community Rises in the Face of Violence
Despite the trauma of the Traverse City Walmart stabbing, the overwhelming response has been one of unity, bravery, and compassion.
“What they did was amazing,” Sheriff Shea said of Perry and the other bystanders. “It’s not just about arresting a suspect. It’s about showing what communities are made of.”
Conclusion: Everyday Heroism in an Extraordinary Crisis
The Walmart stabbing in Traverse City stands as a tragic reminder of how fast violence can erupt but also how ordinary people like Derrick Perry can perform extraordinary acts of heroism.
His selfless actions, alongside those of other veterans and citizens, turned what could have been a mass casualty event into a story of bravery, resilience, and hope.
In a time when fear and violence often dominate headlines, Derrick Perry reminds us that everyday heroism is still alive in grocery store aisles, in parking lots, and in the hearts of people willing to act.
Also Read: 11 Injured in Mass Stabbing at Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan
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