GARFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI – Chaos unfolded Saturday evening at a Walmart in Garfield Township when a man armed with a folding knife allegedly attacked shoppers, leaving 11 people injured before being subdued by bystanders in the parking lot, according to law enforcement officials.

Authorities identified the suspect as Bradford Gille, a 42-year-old from Afton. He was taken into custody and faces a charge of terrorism along with 11 counts of assault with intent to murder in connection with the stabbings, the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office said.

The violent outburst occurred just before 5 p.m. as customers filled the store ahead of the weekend. Witnesses described a disturbing scene, with Gille reportedly targeting older adults and individuals who may have had difficulty escaping, including some in wheelchairs. The victims ranged in age from 29 to 84, with several elderly shoppers among those hurt.

Shoppers reported seeing blood on the floor and victims seeking help at the ends of aisles. Several people described the sense of panic as they attempted to avoid the attacker while aiding those who had been wounded.

As the situation escalated, several civilians intervened outside the store, confronting the alleged attacker in the parking lot. Among them was an armed citizen who helped ensure Gille could not flee or injure anyone else before law enforcement arrived. A nearby sheriff’s deputy arrived on the scene at 4:46 p.m., taking Gille into custody without further incident, police reported.

The Sheriff’s Office said that, so far, no motive has been determined. Authorities also have yet to disclose whether Gille has made any statements during questioning.

Some customers recounted seeing the suspect choose victims who appeared to be less able to protect themselves or escape quickly. One delivery driver, who was present during the attack, described witnessing a severe injury to one of the victims before bystanders intervened to end the rampage.

The Walmart attack left many shaken. Those in the store at the time spoke of their terror, saying such a shocking incident felt more like a scene from a movie than reality. Several expressed relief and gratitude for those who intervened, crediting them with likely preventing further harm.

Paramedics rendered aid to the injured at the scene before they were transported to nearby hospitals. The current conditions of the victims have not been disclosed.

Gille was booked into the Grand Traverse County Jail and remained there pending an arraignment as of late Sunday. The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to interview witnesses and collect evidence to determine what led to the violent attack.