After a random, brutal attack that shocked one of Michigan’s most popular Up North vacation communities and made headlines around the country, a suspect is facing a slew of criminal charges for a mass stabbing that injured 11 people.
Bradford James Gille, 42, is suspected of traveling from his home nearly 100 miles away to perpetrate the stabbing attack at the Walmart store in Garfield Township, just outside of Traverse City.
He is slated to be arraigned soon on criminal charges that include attempted murder and terrorism.
Grand Traverse County authorities have said they will release more information on the suspect and any possible motive as their investigation continues. Right now, here are the key things we know:
1. The suspect traveled 90 miles from his residence before the attack
Bradford James Gille, 42, lives in Afton, a small town in Cheboygan County approximately 90 miles northeast of Traverse City. Sheriff Michael Shea indicated that Gille may have previously lived in Grand Traverse County and was “somewhat familiar with the area.” Investigators noted that Gille appeared to have traveled to the area on the same day as the incident, though the reason for his journey remains unclear.
2. The attack was captured on surveillance footage
According to the sheriff, Gille entered the Walmart on Circle Crossing around 4:10 p.m. and remained inside for approximately 30 minutes before beginning his attack with a folding knife. Detectives were reviewing surveillance footage from in and around the store. Authorities did confirm that all 11 stabbing incidents were captured on camera to some degree, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
3. Law enforcement response was swift but bystanders were faster
A sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene within three minutes of the 911 call being placed and took Gille into custody. The sheriff noted that bystanders, including a man armed with a pistol, helped apprehend the suspect. This rapid response likely prevented further injuries and demonstrates the coordination between law enforcement and civilians during the emergency situation.
4. Eleven people were injured with varying degrees of severity
The attack resulted in 11 victims being stabbed, with ages ranging from 29 to 84 years old. According to Munson Healthcare officials, two people remain in serious condition, two people are listed in fair condition, and one person has been released from the hospital. The wide age range of victims suggests the attack was indiscriminate and targeted shoppers regardless of age or other characteristics.
5. Gille faces serious criminal charges, including terrorism
The suspect awaits arraignment on 11 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism. The inclusion of a terrorism charge indicates the severity with which authorities are treating this mass attack. Gille was expected to be arraigned on Monday or Tuesday in Grand Traverse County District Court, where formal charges would be presented and initial legal proceedings would begin.
- Michigan Walmart stabbing suspect’s brother: ‘The system failed every one of us’
- Charges against Michigan Walmart stabbing suspect include rarely used state terrorism count
- Traverse City interfaith vigil planned after Walmart stabbing spree
- Traverse City farmers market vendor among 11 victims in Walmart mass stabbing
- Suspect in Walmart mass stabbing hospitalized for digging up graves years ago
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Source link
