EMMET COUNTY, MI – Police were actively searching for a man under a court order less than 24 hours before he allegedly injured 11 people in a mass stabbing at Walmart.
Emmet County sheriff’s deputies received the order on Friday, July 25, asking police to take 42-year-old Bradford James Gille into custody.
However, deputies were unable to locate Gille. On Saturday, Gille entered the Traverse City Walmart and allegedly stabbed 11 people.
Of the 11 injured, five are in fair condition, two are in good condition, two have been treated and transferred, one was treated and released, and one remains in serious condition, Munson Healthcare officials said on Monday.
Pictured is a folding knife allegedly used by 42-year-old Bradford James Gille during a mass stabbing attack at the Traverse City Walmart on Saturday, July 26, 2025.Photo provided by Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office
Gille awaits arraignment in Grand Traverse County District Court on 11 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism. An arraignment date was not scheduled as of Monday morning, July 28.
A motive behind the attack is still unclear.
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office released details Monday regarding a court order asking police to pick up Gille. Police did not elaborate on the nature of the order from Emmet County Probate Court.
Messages left with the court and sheriff’s office seeking additional information were not immediately returned on Monday.
Sheriff’s deputies, who say Gille is homeless, searched for Gille on Friday with no luck. They continued searching on Saturday – the day of the incident.
That day, Gille entered Walmart on Circle Crossing around 4:10 p.m. and later used a folding knife to stab 11 people, police said.
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A Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputy arrived within three minutes after a 911 call was placed and took Gille into custody. Bystanders – including a man armed with a pistol – helped apprehend Gille.
Gille once resided in Afton, a small town in Cheboygan County roughly 90 miles northeast of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said.
Shea said there are indications Gille may have previously lived in Grand Traverse County.
Public records show Gille has a long history of issues with mental illness, substance use, and past assaults.
Gille was ordered to stand trial in 2016 in Emmet County on charges of disinterment and mutilation of dead bodies, and malicious destruction of tombs and memorials, court records show.
He was later found not competent and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The charges were dismissed.
Gille remains lodged in the Grand Traverse County Jail.
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