A former Marine who helped stop a brutal stabbing attack at a Michigan Walmart is speaking publicly for the first time about the terrifying ordeal, which authorities are calling an act of terrorism.
Derrick Perry, a married father of three, recounted the moment he confronted the suspect during an exclusive interview on Good Morning America. Armed with a gun, Perry joined a group of citizens who intervened as chaos unfolded on Saturday afternoon in Traverse City, about 150 miles north of Grand Rapids.
“I didn’t think of anything other than trying to get him away from people,” Perry said. “I wanted to get him isolated, get him to put the knife down, and focus on me instead of everyone that was yelling and screaming.”
Random Attack Inside Walmart
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Authorities said 42-year-old Bradford James Gille entered the Walmart and began randomly stabbing people with a folding knife near the store’s checkout area. Victims ranged in age from 29 to 84, including at least one Walmart employee, according to Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea.
“This was a completely unprovoked, random act,” Shea said during a Sunday news conference.
Citizens Step In to Help
As the suspect moved toward the parking lot, Perry and other bystanders confronted him. Video captured by a witness shows a tense standoff, with Perry holding the suspect at gunpoint until a deputy arrived to arrest him.
“I commend them,” Sheriff Shea said. “It’s not very often that citizens step up and take action like that.”
Suspect Faces Terrorism, Assault Charges
Gille was arraigned on one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. He did not enter a plea during the hearing. The court appointed an attorney for him and set bail at $100,000 cash. He is scheduled to return for a probable cause hearing on August 6 and a preliminary hearing on August 12.
Magistrate Tammi Rodgers agreed to the prosecutor’s request for high bail, calling the case “one of the most serious crimes that one could commit in the state of Michigan.”
Prosecutors said each charge carries a potential life sentence if Gille is convicted.