Elevan people were injured in the brutal stabbing spree; Bradford James Gilley now faces federal terrorism charges
Authorities have identified Bradford James Gilley as the suspect in the mass stabbing at the Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City, Michigan, that took place on Saturday. Gilley, a 42-year-old resident of Afton, Michigan, has been formally charged with terrorism.
The violent attack unfolded inside the store and left 11 people injured, several of them seriously. Emergency services declared a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident due to the number of victims and severity of the situation.
Bradford James Gilley Identified as Attacker in Michigan Walmart Incident
Law enforcement confirmed that Bradford James Gilley entered the Traverse City Walmart and carried out a stabbing spree that appeared to target shoppers at random. He was taken into custody at the scene and remains behind bars as the investigation continues.
Officials say the charges could expand, depending on what further evidence reveals.
Terrorism Charges Filed Against Bradford James Gilley
Prosecutors announced that Bradford Gilleyhas been charged with terrorism due to the nature of the attack and its impact on the public. The motive has not yet been disclosed, but authorities are treating the case as an intentional act meant to terrorize.
Local and federal agencies are now involved in the investigation, including the FBI.
Community Reacts After Bradford Gilley Is Identified
Residents of Traverse City have reacted with shock and concern following the identification and arrest of Bradford Gilley. Many gathered for a vigil on Sunday night to support the victims and call for answers.
Security has since been increased at the Walmart and surrounding businesses, while law enforcement continues to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses.
As the investigation progresses, more details are being uncovered about Bradford James Gilley and the timeline leading up to the stabbing attack in Traverse City. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Gilley is a 42-year-old resident of Afton, Michigan, who had been living alone in a modest home on the outskirts of the town. While he had no prior criminal record, several neighbors have come forward describing him as socially isolated and emotionally distant.
“He was always by himself,” one neighbor told reporters. “We rarely saw him outside, and when we did, he barely acknowledged anyone. There was something intense about him—you could feel it.” Another neighbor said that while Gilley was never overtly aggressive, he seemed to avoid all social contact and exhibited paranoid behavior in recent months.
Authorities are now focused on analyzing Bradford James Gilley’s electronic devices, including his computer, smartphone, and any external storage devices recovered from his residence. Investigators are searching for possible manifestos, online postings, or affiliations with extremist ideologies that may shed light on his motive. The FBI has also joined the investigation, bringing in behavioral analysts and cybercrime specialists to evaluate Gilley’s digital footprint.
According to the Department of Justice, the terrorism charge brought against Bradford James Gilley is based not only on the number of victims and the level of violence but also on “the evident intent to spread fear, cause public panic, and disrupt the peace of a public space.” Officials are investigating whether this was a premeditated act aimed at causing mass harm, or an isolated breakdown by someone with untreated mental health issues.
So far, investigators have not found evidence of direct contact between Gilley and any known terrorist groups, but they are still combing through encrypted messaging apps and private online forums. If prosecutors find proof that he acted with ideological motivations, they may upgrade the federal charge to one of domestic terrorism, which carries even more severe penalties under U.S. law.
