Traverse City, Michigan — A chaotic and terrifying mass stabbing at a Walmart on July 27 was brought to a screeching halt — not by sirens, but by a citizen with a cool head and a legally carried handgun.
According to ABC 7, the suspect, 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, allegedly went on a random stabbing spree inside the store, injuring 11 people — two critically — before being confronted by bystanders outside.
That’s when Derrick Perry, a civilian legally armed with a pistol, pointed his firearm at Gille and held him at gunpoint until authorities arrived. The moment was caught on video and quickly went viral, drawing nationwide attention.
“I want to acknowledge that there was citizen involvement in assisting in taking the individual into custody,” said one investigator during a press conference, in what may be the understatement of the year.
Authorities say Gille now faces 11 assault charges and one count of terrorism. The motive? Still unclear.
But according to one witness interviewed by ABC 7, “It seemed like all of the people who got stabbed and got attacked were people who couldn’t physically get out of his way.”
That could have easily meant a body count — if not for Perry’s timely intervention.
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) commented on the incident.
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In a statement obtained by GunsAmerica, Chairman Alan Gottlieb said, “We are particularly impressed with the heroic actions of the armed citizen… He held the suspect at gunpoint until responding law enforcement could arrive and take the man into custody.”
Derrick Perry U.S. Marine veteran identified as armed hero who intervened after suspect Bradford James Gilley stabbed 11 people inside the Walmart. pic.twitter.com/S0fxWuzC01
— david 🌻 (@realdavidonline) July 27, 2025
Gottlieb noted the media often downplays these stories when the good guy with a gun narrative doesn’t fit the preferred script. But this time? It’s all on video.
“This time, the incident was captured on video, so it cannot be ignored,” he said. “Mister Perry’s courageous action deserves recognition, not just by his fellow Michigan residents, but by Americans everywhere.”
In true CCRKBA fashion, the group used the moment to underscore the everyday utility of the Second Amendment: “Armed citizens have often intervened to stop deadly attacks… We are convinced [Perry’s] heroic action not only saved lives, but was crucial in detaining the suspect so justice can now take its course.”
Perry, for his part, has kept a low profile, but his name is now etched into the growing ledger of Americans who stepped up.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
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good job but the people trying to help need to keep out of the line of fire, they could have made the situation worse!