Garfield Township, MI – Stabbing Spree at Walmart Leaves 11 Injured, Suspect Identified as Bradford James Gille

Garfield Township, MI – Stabbing Spree at Walmart Leaves 11 Injured, Suspect Identified as Bradford James Gille

GARFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI – A horrifying act of violence unfolded on Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2025, when a man armed with a knife went on a brutal stabbing spree inside the Walmart store in Garfield Township, Michigan. The rampage, which sent shockwaves through the community, left 11 individuals injured, some critically, and left local authorities, shoppers, and residents grappling with the aftermath of the violent attack.

The suspect, 42-year-old Bradford James Gille of Afton, Michigan, was apprehended by law enforcement officers at the scene and has been charged with multiple counts of assault with intent to murder, as well as aggravated assault. The attack, which took place just before 3:00 p.m. on a busy Saturday, has raised concerns about public safety and prompted a massive investigation by the Garfield Township Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and federal law enforcement agencies.

As the investigation unfolds, the community remains in shock over the senseless violence that erupted in a place where families typically gather to shop, making the tragedy all the more jarring for the people of Garfield Township.

The Attack: Chaos and Panic Inside the Walmart

According to witnesses, the incident began around 2:45 p.m., when Bradford Gille entered the Walmart store, located on the corner of Garfield Road and M-72, carrying a large kitchen knife. Shoppers who were browsing through the aisles were initially unaware of the danger, but chaos quickly ensued as Gille began randomly attacking people in his path.

“It all happened so fast. I heard screams and turned around, and there he was, just going after people with that knife,” said one eyewitness, who was shopping with her young daughter at the time. “I grabbed my daughter and ducked into one of the aisles. It was terrifying. People were running and screaming everywhere.”

Reports indicate that Gille moved through various sections of the store, stabbing random victims without any apparent pattern. The violence unfolded across multiple aisles, with Gille reportedly targeting individuals regardless of age or gender. Shoppers who witnessed the attack described a scene of utter panic as people tried to flee the store, some helping others to safety while others were trapped in the chaos.

One shopper, identified as Mark Harris, who was inside the electronics section when the stabbing began, told police that Gille appeared calm as he moved through the aisles, attacking without provocation. “It was like he was in a trance. He didn’t say anything. He just kept going after people,” Harris said. “I don’t even know how I got out of there, but I ran toward the exit as soon as I could.”

The Victims: 11 Injured in the Attack

The 11 victims of the stabbing spree range in age from 15 to 68 and suffered injuries of varying severity. Some of the victims were taken to local hospitals in critical condition, while others sustained less serious wounds. Authorities have stated that they are still working to identify all of the victims, as many of them were transported to different hospitals for treatment.

Two of the victims, a 60-year-old man and a 17-year-old female, are reported to be in critical condition, undergoing surgery to treat multiple stab wounds. The other victims, who sustained wounds to their arms, legs, and torso, are currently recovering in local hospitals and are expected to survive, though many of them are still in shock from the traumatic events.

“We are doing everything we can to help the victims and provide them with the care they need,” said Dr. Linda Williams, Chief of Trauma Surgery at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital. “Some of them are in serious condition, and we’re monitoring them closely, but we’re hopeful that all of the survivors will make a full recovery.”

As of now, police have not released the names of the victims, but relatives and friends of those injured have begun to gather at the hospitals to offer support. The community, which has been rocked by the violence, has rallied around the victims and their families, offering prayers, donations, and emotional support.

The Suspect: Bradford James Gille

The man responsible for the stabbing spree, Bradford James Gille, was arrested by police at the scene and is now facing multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder and aggravated assault. Gille, who is a resident of Afton, Michigan, approximately 80 miles northeast of Garfield Township, was reportedly a frequent visitor to the Walmart store, though investigators have yet to determine any personal connection between him and the victims.

Gille was apprehended by law enforcement officers after several shoppers managed to restrain him in the store, with one brave individual reportedly tackling Gille to the ground. When police arrived, they found Gille in custody, surrounded by the wounded victims and horrified witnesses.

“He was acting erratically,” said Officer Rachel Adams, who was one of the first responders at the scene. “It was clear from the moment we arrived that this was an isolated incident, but we didn’t know the extent of the violence until we started processing the scene. It’s a miracle that more people weren’t injured.”

According to police records, Gille has a no prior criminal record and has never been involved in any violent offenses. However, law enforcement officials are working to determine whether he has a history of mental health issues or if there were any warning signs leading up to the attack. Authorities have also confirmed that Gille was not previously on the radar of local law enforcement in relation to any violent behavior.

“We are still piecing together the motive for this attack,” said Sheriff Tom Boyle of the Garfield Township Police Department. “Right now, we are focusing on the victims and their recovery, but we will continue to investigate Gille’s background and look into what may have led him to commit this horrific act.”

The Investigation: A Search for Answers

In the hours following the attack, the Garfield Township Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and the FBI launched an extensive investigation into the incident. Investigators are combing through surveillance footage from the Walmart store, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing Gille’s personal history in an attempt to understand what drove him to commit such a violent and senseless act.

Police have also been examining Gille’s social media accounts and personal communications, searching for any clues that might explain his state of mind prior to the attack. They are also looking into whether Gille may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the attack, although there is no official confirmation of this at the moment.

“We are treating this case with the utmost urgency,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Emily Dawson. “Our goal is to understand what happened here and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.”

The Community Responds: A Town in Shock

The stabbing spree has left the residents of Garfield Township in deep shock. The community, which has always prided itself on its safe, family-friendly environment, is struggling to come to terms with the brutality that unfolded in their own backyard. Many residents are still reeling from the fear and uncertainty that gripped the town as news of the attack spread.

“I never thought something like this could happen here,” said Ellen Morrison, a long-time resident of Garfield Township who shops at Walmart regularly. “It’s terrifying. I feel so bad for the victims and their families. We just never expected something like this to happen in our town.”

In response to the violence, local businesses and organizations have come together to support the victims and their families. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for medical expenses, and several local churches are providing counseling and support services for those impacted by the trauma of the attack.

The Garfield Township Police Department has also announced that they will hold a community meeting later this week to address concerns and offer resources for those affected by the event. “We know this has been a difficult time for everyone, and we are here to help in any way we can,” said Chief Melanie Harris of the Garfield Township Police Department. “This is a tragedy that has shaken all of us, but we will get through it together.”

A Sense of Relief: The Community Moves Forward

Though the horror of the attack on Saturday afternoon is still fresh in the minds of many, the people of Garfield Township have shown remarkable resilience in the wake of the violence. While questions remain about Bradford Gille’s motives, the focus has shifted toward healing, recovery, and ensuring that such an incident never happens again in the community.

As the investigation continues, the town of Garfield Township remains united, offering support to the victims and their families and pledging to rebuild a sense of safety and security in their community.

Anyone with information about the incident or Bradford James Gille is urged to contact the Garfield Township Police Department at (231) 555-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

In the aftermath of this tragic event, a vigil for the victims will be held on August 1, 2025, at the Garfield Township Community Center. Local officials have urged the public to come together in a show of solidarity and support for those affected by the attack.