Walmart Suspect Arraigned; More Details Emerge on Background

Bradford James Gille, the 42-year-old suspect in the mass stabbing attack at the Traverse City Walmart store Saturday, was arraigned Monday in 86th District Court on one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. Each of those charges carries a possible life sentence. Magistrate Tammi Rodgers set a high $100,000 bond, citing some of “the most heinous accusations from an individual that’s been before this court in 30-some years.” Meanwhile, more details are emerging on Gille’s background, including a history of criminal activity, mental illness, and homelessness – with authorities in Emmet County attempting but failing to take him into protective custody the day before the Walmart attack.

Court attorney Janet Mistele entered a not guilty plea on Gille’s behalf with a request to appoint him counsel during Monday’s arraignment. Gille appeared defiant and at times confused during the proceedings, asking at the start of the hearing whether he was required to participate and telling Rodgers: “I don’t want to talk to you.” During questioning about his income and assets, Gille began to talk unprompted about videos on the Internet, with Mistele advising him to stop because his comments could be used against him. “Don’t cut me off,” he snapped at her. Gille, who is not currently employed and doesn’t own a vehicle or have a mailing address, told Rodgers he has some income from Social Security but “not to give you.” Rodgers said she would appoint an attorney to represent Gille.

Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg sought a high bond given the nature of the Walmart attack, in which 11 people were hospitalized after Gille allegedly stabbed them with a folding knife with a 3.5-inch blade. Those victims are all expected to survive, but as of Monday morning 5 were still in fair condition, 1 in serious condition, and 2 in good condition. Two patients have been treated and transferred, while one patient has been treated and released, Munson Healthcare posted.

“Clearly this is one of the most serious crimes that someone can commit in the state of Michigan, and it has a huge impact on public safety,” Moeggenberg told the court. She asked Rodgers to consider other factors including Gille’s prior criminal history, which includes charges of multiple assaults, controlled substances, public intoxication, and a charge of malicious destruction of a tomb which was dropped after he was found incompetent to stand trial. Moeggenberg said Gille also has a history of mental illness including prior involuntary hospitalizations. She said Gille has “little to no contact” with his family and thus doesn’t have anywhere to reside. Moeggenberg also pointed to the likelihood of conviction, noting that most of the attack was caught on surveillance video. A significant bond is “truly the only way to protect the public at this point,” she said.

Rodgers agreed, saying she was “very concerned” about the nature of the charges. She set a $100,000 bond, which included numerous conditions for Gille including not having any alcohol or controlled substances, weapons, or presence at any Walmart, in addition to not being threatening, harassing, or intimidating to any individuals. Rodgers scheduled a probable cause conference for August 6 and a preliminary examination for August 12 at 11am with Judge Michael Stepka.

When Rodgers described the charges against Gille as “heinous,” the suspect interrupted her. “You’re selling cigarettes with fiberglass and chemicals in them just to kill off this population,” he said. “You can’t really accuse me of anything if you’re doing that, you know.” Rodgers then muted Gille so she could speak uninterrupted during the rest of the proceedings.

The Petoskey Department of Public Safety issued a press release Monday describing events involving Gille just prior to the Walmart attack. On Thursday evening, the department “had two contacts with Bradford James Gille related to loitering in violation of the city's ordinances,” the release states. “Mr. Gille was known to the Department of Public Safety as an individual experiencing homelessness. Mr. Gille made no threatening comments and appeared calm, and officers found no legal basis to detain him.”

However, the release continues that “based on concerns about his welfare, the Department of Public Safety promptly petitioned the Emmet County Probate Court on the morning of Friday, July 25 for an order to place Mr. Gille in protective custody for evaluation. The Probate Court issued the order on Friday, but despite diligent efforts by Petoskey officers and the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Gille could not be located before the tragic events in Grand Traverse County. The city understands that Mr. Gille left Emmet County before the Probate Court order was issued.”

The department commended the “heroic actions of citizens and first responders during and after the violent incident in Grand Traverse County. Their quick thinking undoubtedly saved lives, and for that, we are deeply grateful.” The department wrote in conclusion: “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families.”

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a separate release that deputies “spent Friday evening patrolling and actively searching” for Gille. “Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful,” the release states. “Saturday, July 26, saw the continuation of these efforts as the order was transferred to the on-coming shift for service. Deputies once again searched for Gille during their patrols. Regrettably, less than 24 hours after receiving this order, a tragic series of events occurred in Traverse City. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this devastating situation.”

The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office said Monday that it is looking for anyone who took photos or video of the attack or has information on the incident. Any such individuals are asked to contact detectives at 231-995-5012.