TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A man was charged with terrorism and multiple counts of attempted murder following a stabbing spree at a Walmart that left 11 people injured over the weekend. Authorities say 42-year-old Bradford Gille, a resident of Afton, allegedly attacked store patrons with a knife measuring three and a half inches on Saturday afternoon.
Matthew Kolakowski, who was shopping for supplies with his daughter, described the sudden chaos that erupted when he heard screams and an employee urgently warning others about a man with a knife. “I saw him rushing toward the checkout,” Kolakowski recalled. “We locked eyes, and I knew I had to act.”
As he chased Gille outside, Kolakowski witnessed the suspect attack an elderly woman. Without a weapon, he improvised, using a shopping cart as a makeshift barrier. “I charged at him from behind and knocked his ankles with the cart,” Kolakowski recounted.
His quick actions, that included tackling the assailant, were echoed by two other brave bystanders. One of the men pointed a gun at Gille, demanding he drop the knife. Eventually, Gille complied, and Kolakowski detained him until police arrived. “I didn’t think twice,” he said. “There was no way I could let him harm anyone else.”
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea praised the bystanders, calling their response heroic. Videos of the encounter circulated on social media, showcasing the bravery of everyday citizens who intervened during the violent episode.
The 11 victims, aged between 29 and 84, included both shoppers and an employee of the store. Fortunately, all were expected to survive their injuries. Authorities have not yet determined a motive for Gille’s attacks, but records indicate he has a history of mental health issues and prior run-ins with law enforcement.
Gille was previously judged not guilty for a crime related to mental illness and has been subject to protective custody orders due to concerns about his potential risk to himself or others. A court had recently sought to place him in protective care, but they were unable to locate him until after the incident at Walmart.
During his remote arraignment, Gille appeared agitated, indicating signs of distress and suggesting he might be homeless. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and his bond was set at $100,000.
Kolakowski’s brother-in-law, who recorded the encounter, reflected on the rapid unfolding of events and praised Kolakowski’s courage. “Had he not intervened, more people could have been seriously hurt,” he said. “It was vital that someone stepped in.”
The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting a dramatic confrontation between ordinary citizens and an escalating crisis of violence. As authorities continue to investigate, questions linger about Gille’s motivations and the mental health resources available in the area.