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Michigan officials are seeking a terrorism charge in addition to 11 counts of assault with intent to murder against a man who allegedly stabbed nearly a dozen people Saturday at a Walmart in what they described as a seemingly random attack.
The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, according to Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael D. Shea. Gille has a prior record of assault incidents and “controlled substance violations,” Shea said Sunday at a press conference.
Officials reiterated that the stabbings appear to have been random. Still, prosecutors are pursuing a terrorism charge in addition to multiple counts of assault with intent to murder.
Shea said authorities have not identified a clear motive. Under the FBI’s definition, domestic terrorism refers to violent acts intended to further ideological goals rooted in domestic influences, such as political, religious, social, racial or environmental beliefs.
Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg noted that while the victims were the most affected, officials believe the attack was “in some ways done to affect the entire community.”
“To change how maybe we operate on a daily basis,” Moeggenberg said. “And so that is why we’re looking at that terrorism charge.”
Eleven people are being treated for stab wounds at Munson Medical Center, said Munson Healthcare spokesperson Catherine Dewey. Seven are in fair condition and four are in serious condition, she said.
The victims range in age from 29 to 84.
The incident started near the checkout area in Walmart, Shea said. The suspect entered the store in Garfield Township with a folding knife, the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office said. He stabbed 11 people total and was acting alone, the office said.
The suspect, a Michigan resident, was captured in three minutes thanks to “citizen involvement,” and was not injured. A sheriff’s deputy was on the scene in minutes and took the suspect into custody.
“Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders,” Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington said.
He said the company is working with law enforcement.
The FBI is responding to the incident and is available to “provide any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office,” Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, said on X.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she is in touch with law enforcement “about the horrible news out of Traverse City.”
“Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence,” she said.
Traverse City is about 255 miles northwest of Detroit.
Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Selina Guevara is an NBC News associate producer, based in Chicago.
Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.
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