TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – More than a year after 11 people were stabbed during a terrifying attack at a Traverse City-area Walmart, the man accused of carrying it out is preparing to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

According to a report from the Traverse City Ticker, Bradford Gille is scheduled for a preliminary examination Tuesday, Sept. 8, but Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg says Gille plans to waive the hearing and enter an insanity plea. By waiving the examination, Gille is agreeing there is probable cause to believe he committed the crimes.

Eleven People Stabbed

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Gille is accused of attacking shoppers with a folding knife at the Walmart on South Airport Road in Traverse City on July 26, 2025. Authorities described the victims as apparently chosen at random.

Eleven people, ranging in age from 29 to 84, were stabbed and hospitalized. All survived. Bystanders confronted and helped detain Gille before deputies took him into custody.

Gille was charged with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder, each carrying the possibility of life in prison.

What Happens Next

An insanity plea means Gille is asserting that mental illness left him legally unable to understand the nature and quality of his actions at the time of the attack.

If the court accepts the plea, Gille will be sent to Michigan’s Center for Forensic Psychiatry for at least 60 days. Prosecutors say a petition would then be filed for continued mental health treatment.