At Least 11 People Stabbed at a Michigan Walmart — Details from Witnesses

The sound of laughter had barely faded when the screams began. In an instant, a routine family outing turned into a fight for survival, leaving a community shaken, strangers united by instinct, and a nation once again searching for answers.

A stabbing spree at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, left at least 11 people injured on Saturday evening. A 42-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene.

Authorities reportedly called the violence a "random act." The suspect was reported to have been armed with a "folding knife style weapon [sic]." Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea confirmed that several shoppers jumped in to help, both to restrain the attacker and to care for those who were hurt.

"This was a joint effort all the way through, and, as I mentioned, the citizens, too," Sheriff Shea reportedly said at a press briefing. Five victims were in serious condition Saturday night, while six others were listed as critical.

Munson Medical Center, a nearby hospital, treated all of them. The center was also reported to have said on social media, "As a result, our Emergency Department is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients."

Photos and videos shared online showed a heavy police and EMS presence outside the store as authorities locked down the area. Heroic shoppers were shown, in another video, confronting the alleged stabber.

Among those who witnessed the attack were Michael Miller, 34, his fiancée Julia Ling, 27, and four of their children. The family had heard what they described as blood-curdling screams. Ling said she quickly pulled their daughters behind a bread rack. "Anything to block him from them," she said.

She stated that Miller ran toward the chaos to help. Ling said she watched the man stab one person in the produce aisle and another by the self-checkout before charging toward her and the kids. "He lunged at us," she said. The attacker then turned toward Miller, and with the help of other shoppers, they managed to force him out the door.

The man alleged to have been the stabber was identified as Bradford James Gille. He was charged with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. Officials said they were "very confident" Gille was the attacker.

Sheriff Shea said that the alleged stabber's victims range in age from 29 to 85, with six of them over 60. However, they are all expected to survive.

According to the sheriff, Gille, originally from Afton and most recently living in Cheboygan, reportedly has a history of arrests, including charges related to drugs and vandalism. In 2014, he served 49 days in a Florida jail.

The FBI has joined the investigation, with Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirming that federal personnel are supporting local efforts.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer responded shortly after the incident. She wrote, "Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence," adding that she remained "in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news." The attack unfolded in Traverse City, a lakeside community about 255 miles northwest of Detroit.

As investigators continue working to determine what led to the shocking attack, the community of Traverse City is left grappling with the trauma, and the entire nation watches for answers and accountability in the days ahead.