BREAKING: 11 injured in mass stabbing at Michigan Walmart
11 Injured in Walmart Stabbing Incident in Michigan
Eleven individuals sustained injuries during a stabbing incident at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, on Saturday afternoon. Prompt intervention by bystanders and FBI agents assisted in restraining the assailant and averting further injuries, according to officials.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea confirmed that six of the injured are in critical condition. The perpetrator, 42-year-old Bradford Gille from Afton, Michigan, has been apprehended and is facing one charge of terrorism along with 11 charges of assault with intent to kill.
Authorities reported that Gille had previous encounters with law enforcement related to assault and drug offenses. Sheriff Shea indicated that the attack seemed to be random, with victims not pre-selected. “The individual was apprehended within one minute,” Shea remarked, describing the response as “remarkable.”
Gille wielded a folding knife near a checkout area around 4:45 p.m. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos. Walmart employee Tasha Nash stated, “The entire store erupted in screams and panic. I witnessed someone being stabbed in the eye.”
Tiffany DeFell, who was outside during the incident, remarked, “This is something you see in films, not in your hometown.” Steven Carter, who was also in the parking lot, speculated it could be a terrorist act. “Everything unfolded rapidly… he was subdued by the time law enforcement arrived,” he noted.
Walmart released a statement expressing gratitude to law enforcement and concern for the injured. “Violence of this nature is intolerable,” stated spokesperson Joe Pennington. “We appreciate the prompt actions of first responders.”
The motive behind the attack is still being investigated, and Gille remains in custody at the county jail.
This distressing incident has left the local community unsettled but thankful for the quick response that likely saved lives. Authorities are continuing their investigation as support for the victims increases.