A heroic episode unfolded at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, where a mass stabbing attack left 11 people injured on a Saturday afternoon, the Daily Mail reports. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Bradford James Gille, allegedly wielded a folding knife and randomly attacked shoppers near the checkout area before attempting to flee.

Derrick Perry, a 41-year-old Traverse City resident and former Marine, was shopping with his family when the incident occurred. Perry confronted the suspect in the parking lot, drew his concealed handgun, and held the attacker at gunpoint until other bystanders tackled the assailant until law enforcement arrived to take him into custody.

The quick and courageous intervention by Perry prevented what could have been an even greater tragedy. Eleven victims were treated at Munson Medical Center. The medical center’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Schermerhorn said in a press conference on Sunday that “one patient was treated and released; two were in serious condition; and the rest are in fair condition.” The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office stated that the suspect acted alone and that the attack appeared to be random, with no predetermined victims.

Video footage captured the tense moment as the attacker was subdued outside the store, showing Perry shouting commands to the suspect to drop the knife and get on the ground. Perry has been widely praised on social media and by local community members as a true hero for risking his life to save others in a dangerous situation.

One supporter praised Perry’s swift heroic action stating,“This is what the Second Amendment is all about.”

Another praised Perry stating, “’You are a true hero and this town is blessed for people like you.”

According to the Daily Mail, “the horrific attack unfolded at the Walmart in Traverse City on Saturday afternoon. Gille allegedly entered the store during a calm shopping afternoon and randomly stabbed the victims with a folding pocket knife, authorities say […] Gille, who police said is a Michigan resident, remains in custody at the Grand Traverse County Jail and is expected to be arraigned Monday or Tuesday.”

Sheriff Mike Shea commended the rapid response of law enforcement officers, who arrived within three minutes of the stabbing report, as well as a group of bystanders who intervened and held Gille in the parking lot.

According to the New York Post, “Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who lives in Traverse City, said he and his husband Chasten were ‘shaken by the awful and senseless violence’ at Walmart on Saturday.”

This incident highlights the potential impact of brave civilian intervention in critical moments, especially by those trained in dealing with high-stress confrontations, such as military veterans.