Man facing terrorism charges after 11 stabbed at Michigan Walmart

A 42-year-old man is facing charges of terrorism and assault with intent to murder following a mass stabbing that injured 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan.

The suspect, identified as Bradford James Gille, used a folding knife to stab five men and six women—including a Walmart employee—inside the store on the afternoon of July 26. The victims, aged between 21 and 84, are all expected to survive, Caliber.Az reports per BBC.

According to investigators, the attack appeared to be random. While the motive has not yet been revealed, authorities said the terrorism charge is justified because the incident was intended to "bring fear and destruction to the community as a whole."

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said officers arrived at the scene just two minutes after the first emergency call.

"At the time of the deputy's arrival, multiple citizens, including one who was armed with a pistol, were confronting the male suspect in the parking lot and preventing him from harming further people and leaving," Shea told reporters on July 27. "The deputy took the suspect into custody without further incident."

Shea added that the suspect’s motive was "yet to be determined."

"Our detectives, with assistance from the FBI, interviewed him at length, and that will be part of the investigation as it moves forward," he said.

Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington condemned the violence, stating: "Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we're thankful for the swift action of first responders."

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that federal personnel are assisting local authorities in the aftermath of the attack.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also responded to the incident, saying: "Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence."

Gille is expected to be arraigned on July 28 or 29. The investigation is ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli