In a shocking display of violence, a man has been charged with terrorism after allegedly stabbing 11 people at a Walmart store in Michigan, igniting fear and chaos in the community. The Grand Traverse County prosecutor announced the rare charge, asserting that the weekend attack was intended to instill terror and disrupt daily life for residents. The suspect, identified as Bradford Gilly, has a history of mental health issues and faces multiple attempted murder charges—one for each victim. A not-guilty plea has been entered, with bond set at $100,000.

Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the scene. Tiffany Defell, who arrived just after the incident, described a chaotic atmosphere filled with police, fire trucks, and panicked shoppers. “It was just a whole chaotic scene,” she recalled, noting that initial reports varied from an active shooter to a possible abduction. Amid the turmoil, bystanders sprang into action, with one heroic individual, Derek Perry, reportedly holding the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

Footage from the scene captures the moment bystanders subdued Gilly, preventing further bloodshed. Defell expressed her gratitude for their bravery, stating, “If it wasn’t for him and everybody else, this could have been way worse.” As the community grapples with the aftermath, Defell and others are left shaken, fearing for their safety in a place they once considered secure.

Authorities face the daunting task of proving the terrorism charge, a seldom-used statute since its inception post-9/11. As the investigation unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant and supportive of the victims and their families. The community stands united, with many echoing the sentiment: “TC strong, Michigan strong.”