A 42-year-old Michigan man was charged with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder in a knife attack at a Traverse City Walmart late Saturday afternoon.
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office said calls began coming in at 4:46 p.m., and by the time a deputy arrived just a few minutes later, a group of people were confronting the suspect in the store’s parking lot. The deputy took Bradford James Gille into custody without further incident.
The sheriff’s office said a 3 1/2 inch folding knife was used in the attack, which appeared to target random people. One of the victims was a Walmart employee, six were men, and five were women. They ranged in age from 29 to 70. The victims were all taken to Munson Medical Center for further treatment after first receiving aid from citizens, law enforcement, and emergency first responders.
According to investigators, Gille reportedly arrived at the store at about 4:10 p.m. and remained in the store until he began his attack. The sheriff’s office said he has a prior history of “assaultive incidents as well as controlled substance violations.” Investigators have not yet determined a motive.
A video posted by WZZM showed several people confronting Gille in the parking lot, with one man in particular yelling at him to “throw it away,” regarding the knife. One of the men appeared to be holding a handgun on the suspect.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Munson Healthcare said Sunday that the 11 patients were showing “encouraging signs of recovery.”
Seven of the victims were listed in fair condition on Sunday, while the remaining four were in serious condition.
Gille pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on August 6.
Bond was set at $100,000 despite a judge signing an order a day before the attack ordering police to find him and take him to a hospital because he was a danger to himself and others, The Associated Press said.
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[Featured image: The knife authorities say was used to stab 11 people at a Walmart on Saturday, July 26 and the suspect, Bradford James Gille/Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office via AP]
