TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Authorities say Bradford James Gille, the 42‑year‑old suspect in the mass stabbing at a Traverse City Walmart, was actively sought by police in Emmet County less than 24 hours before the rampage.
According to UpNorthLive, Emmet County deputies received a court order from probate court on Friday afternoon directing them to place Gille into protective custody for mental health evaluation. Officers had encountered him on Thursday evening during loitering complaints in Petoskey but found no legal grounds to detain him. Despite “diligent efforts,” deputies were unable to locate him before the attack unfolded the next day in Grand Traverse County.
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On Saturday, Gille allegedly entered the Walmart and stabbed 11 people with a folding knife. The victims ranged in age from 29 to 84. No fatalities have been reported. Most were treated at Munson Medical Center and released or remain in fair condition, with a few in serious condition — but all are expected to survive.
Bystanders, including a Marine veteran armed with a concealed handgun, helped subdue Gille in the parking lot before law enforcement arrived.
Court appearance and charges
Monday in 86th District Court, Gille was formally arraigned on 11 counts of assault with intent to murder and a rarely used terrorism charge under Michigan law, which prosecutors say reflects the attack’s goal to intimidate the broader community. Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety, with conditions barring him from Walmart locations, weapons, alcohol, or drugs.
Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg described Gille as “a threat to public safety” given his criminal record — including past assaults, drug possession, and a 2016 cemetery desecration case in which he was deemed not guilty by reason of insanity — along with documented mental illness and prolonged homelessness.
During the hearing, Gille frequently appeared confused and at one point interrupted proceedings, saying:
“You’re selling cigarettes with fiberglass and chemicals in ’em just to kill off this population. You can’t really accuse me of anything if you’re doing that.”
The judge muted Gille’s microphone after warning him not to make statements that could be used against him.
Court-appointed counsel entered a not‑guilty plea on his behalf. Gille told the court he has no fixed address, minimal family connections, no significant income or assets, and will rely on Social Security for support.
Background and next steps
According to the Detroit Free Press, records show Gille has a long history of mental health struggles, including diagnoses of bipolar disorder with psychotic features and schizophrenia. He has been hospitalized involuntarily multiple times and appeared in news archives as far back as 2007 when family members raised concerns about his condition.
In 2016, court documents indicate Gille was charged with desecrating graves in Greenwood Cemetery, removing dirt from a burial vault he believed contained someone buried alive. He was later found not guilty by reason of insanity.
At Monday’s arraignment, Grand Traverse County Magistrate Tammi Rodgers set a probable cause hearing for August 6, followed by a preliminary exam on August 12 at 11 a.m.
Impact and response
The attack has shaken the local community of around 16,000 people along Lake Michigan. Local officials praised the intervention by bystanders and first responders, noting that footage and accounts show Gille appeared to act randomly, moving swiftly through the store before striking victims without warning.
Law enforcement continues to seek digital or video evidence of the incident and encourages anyone with relevant material to come forward.
Timeline
Thursday, July 24: Gille contacted by Petoskey police for loitering; appeared calm; no detention.
Friday, July 25: Probate court issues protective custody order; deputies and Petoskey officers search but do not locate him.
Saturday, July 26: Gille allegedly attacks shoppers at Traverse City Walmart, injuring 11; subdued by bystanders and arrested minutes later.
Monday, July 28: Arraigned on terrorism and attempted murder charges; bond set; hearings scheduled.
