Grand Traverse County Sheriff Mike Shea, left, speaks alongside Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg during a news conference Sunday, July 27, 2025, after 11 people were stabbed at a Walmart in Traverse City, Mich. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

ALPENA — The people of Traverse City are on the minds of Northeast Michigan residents after a mass stabbing at its Walmart injured 11 people on Saturday.

Elected officials and residents in the area are still shocked at what unfolded on Saturday and express their concern for the victims and the Traverse City community.

On Sunday, police announced that they have arrested Bradford James Gille, 42, of Afton in Cheboygan County for the mass stabbing event.

On Saturday night, six of the victims were in critical condition and five were in serious condition. On Sunday, during a press conference, it was announced that all of their conditions had improved and they were all expected to survive.

Gille used a fold-up pocket knife during his attack.

News of the stabbing spread quickly and people in Alpena expressed shock that such a horrendous crime could happen in a community that is similar to Alpena.

Jerome Bassey said he has shopped at the Walmart in Traverse City and he has never felt unsafe there. He said the crime needs to be an eye opener that mass casualty events can happen anywhere and any time.

“This hits kind of close to home,” he said. “I have been in that store many times and it just makes you think that if it can happen there, why can’t it happen here. I can’t imagine what was going through the minds of the people just there to shop or the employees, but thankfully it seems like nobody is going to die. I think most of us in Alpena have the people in Traverse City on our minds.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement Sunday on the attack and praised first responders and bystanders who helped to keep Gille at bay when he tried to escape.

Gille was detained by police after a citizen who was legally carrying a firearm used it to keep him at the scene until law enforcement arrived.

Nessel also pledged to help local authorities with the criminal investigation and court proceedings if needed.

“I am grateful for the quick action from the many local law enforcement officers, emergency services personnel, Munson medical team, and the good samaritans in Grand Traverse County whose quick action undoubtedly saved lives following yesterday’s heinous attack,” she said in a press release. “My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families, as well as the Grand Traverse community as a whole.”

Nessel continued, “Grand Traverse Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg is a dedicated, career criminal prosecutor, and I maintain full faith in her and her office in the handling of this matter. My department has been in touch and has offered our assistance wherever it may be valuable.”

Jeff Howell said it is sad that people need to look over their shoulder when out in public when doing even the simplest thing. He said he often visits Traverse City for work and has also made quick stops at the Walmart where the stabbings took place. Howell also praised the citizen who was quick to act to help police detain Gille.

“If he hadn’t pulled out his gun, this guy could have gotten away and God knows what he could have done next,” Howell said. “It’s kind of a miracle that nobody was killed.”

U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, said steps need to be taken to address the country’s mental illness issues. He added that it will take time for those impacted to heal and with the help of people like those who help neutralize the threat, northern Michigan will get through the impact of the stabbings.

“The horrific stabbing in Traverse City this weekend is a stark reminder that we as a nation must do better when it comes to mental health care,” Bergman said in a text. “Our team has been in close contact with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff, the Michigan State Police, and the FBI. Listening to the accounts of the victims and bystanders — the pain, the trauma, the senseless violence — is heartbreaking. The road to healing will take time, and our prayers are with every person affected. But even in the darkest moments, there is light. The light that came from those who stood up and protected strangers. People like Derrick Perry — a good guy with a gun — who did the right thing when it mattered most. This is who we are in northern Michigan: strong, courageous, and willing to step up for our neighbors.”

Callie Barr, D-Traverse City, is running against Bergman next year and she lives in Traverse City. She said the stabbings have put a temporary black cloud over the community, but the mood is starting to improve. She said she is thankful for the people who engaged Gille and prevented him from escaping.

“This is a tragedy all the way around and we’re grateful everyone survived,” Barr said. “We’re also grateful for the bystanders who stood up to help. This is very traumatic for our community and now we are just starting the healing process.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posed on X on Saturday after the incident, but has not made any other statements on the matter since.

“I’m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City,” Whitmer posted on X. “Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect.”

U.S. Senator Gary Peters also posted about the stabbings on X on Sunday saying the victims were on the minds of his family and he is glad the situation didn’t become worse.

“Colleen and I have the victims and everyone affected by the horrible attack in Traverse City in our hearts,” Peters wrote on X. “I’m grateful to the first responders and community members who acted quickly and prevented further violence.”

Brenda Horner said the incident in Traverse City is tragic and she feels deeply for all involved. She said violent crimes can happen in big cities or small cities, but the fear of being involved in one won’t stop her from enjoying her life and doing the things she enjoys.

“It’s always scary when something like this happens, but I think having it happen in T.C. makes it hit harder because it is closer to home,” she said. “But, it isn’t going to stop me from going where I want to go and I’m not going to live in constant fear.”

Gille is expected to face one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea said during a press conference on Sunday.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.