“Derrick Perry needs a medal” - Community praises Walmart hero after video shows him stopping attacker after 11 people were stabbed at store

A US Marine veteran is being credited for saving lives after he disarmed a knife-wielding man who had stabbed 11 people at a Michigan Walmart on Saturday. A dramatic cellphone footage shows Derrick Perry holding a gun while assisting in subduing suspect Bradford James Gille in the parking lot of the Traverse City store, an act that supposedly stopped further carnage.

The video, which has spread on social media, shows Perry shouting, “Drop it! Throw the knife now!" as he and other bystanders pin down the suspect.

Police say the suspect, Gille, 42, had just stabbed five men and six women inside the store.

The victims, who were 21 years old to 84, survived, with hospital officials saying their conditions had improved from critical to fair or serious on Sunday, as per BBC.

Police confirmed that Perry’s fast thinking, along with others, was pivotal in stopping further bloodshed.

"I will tell you they were absolutely instrumental in preventing further injuries, potential casualties," Sheriff Michael Shea said in a statement.

Since the attack, people are praising Derrick Perry for his bravery and stating that he should be awarded with a medal of honor, one viral Facebook post read:

"Derrick Perry needs a medal"

"Thank you Mr. Perry, for your service, again," wrote a X user.

"Thank you Mr. Derrick Perry. You are a hero!! We need more people like you sir," commented a user.

"Derrick Perry is a wonderful hero! He deployed his weapon and used his common sense as most lawful gun owners do. Lives were saved!" another added.

Several others pointed out the importance of exercising the second amendment in the right situation.

"Thank God for Derrick and the 2nd Amendment," said one user.

"Mr. Perry is a hero who proved the value of 2nd Amendment rights," another remarked.

A look into aftermath and investigation of the attack after Derrick Perry's display of bravery

Gille, who has previous arrests for drugs and vandalism, was charged with terrorism and assault (New York Post). The official said the attacks seemed to be random and that no motive had emerged.

The FBI is now assisting local cops in the open investigation. Walmart praised Perry and the first responders, saying:

"Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we're thankful for the swift action of first responders." 

Derrick Perry is a hero... once a marine is always a marine. Thank you for your service. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 pic.twitter.com/r1m5AxdRYr

— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) July 27, 2025

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and local resident Pete Buttigieg also expressed shock over the incident.

With the store still closed on Sunday, residents such as Angela Helfrich, a witness to the attack, were grappling with the trauma. “That could have been me or my family,” she said to local media.

Derrick Perry, for his part, has not come forward publicly, but he has already become a local legend. Whether or not he gets the recognition for his bravery, is yet to be seen.