Derrick Perry is a Traverse City native who recently intervened in the Walmart stabbing incident and managed to subdue the attacker, find out more about him below
During the attack at the Walmart in Traverse City, the attacker randomly attacked shoppers with a knife, injuring 11 people.
The horrifying mass stabbing took place at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, leaving 11 people injured and the entire community in shock.
Authorities have named 42-year-old Bradford James Gille as the main suspect in Saturday’s mass stabbing at a Walmart in Traverse City. Gille allegedly injured 11 people armed with a folding knife before bystanders eventually managed to stop him by tackling him. Following which the police eventually managed to arrest him on the spot. After the incident unfolded, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea seemingly praised the citizens who intervened and credited them with preventing further tragedy.
Who is ex-marine Derrick Perry as video of him stopping Traverse City, Michigan stabbing suspect Bradford James Gille goes viral
The brave man who stopped him, identified by family members as Marine veteran Derrick Perry, is seen yelling at the suspected attacker to drop the weapon in the parking lot of the superstore in Traverse City, about 255 miles northwest of Detroit.
Perry’s daughter wrote on Facebook that his heroism is a “proud daughter moment” for her. His daughter-in-law meanwhile added that the veteran is a “true hero.”
🚨 HERO ALERT: Meet Derrick Perry, the GOOD GUY with a firearm who helped subdue the Walmart mass st*bbing suspect in Traverse City, Michigan, until police arrived, per local reports.
Give this man the recognition his actions deserve.
Good men who are armed save lives.
H/t… pic.twitter.com/a2hWssAgvb
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 27, 2025
Derrick Perry U.S. Marine veteran identified as armed hero who intervened after suspect Bradford James Gilley stabbed 11 people inside the Walmart. pic.twitter.com/S0fxWuzC01
— david 🌻 (@realdavidonline) July 27, 2025
Perry’s quick thinking and courage drew praise from law enforcement and admiration from the entire country.
Derrick Perry intervenes in Walmart Stabbing incident
Derrick Perry is a Traverse City native who recently intervened in a stabbing incident while out shopping with his family. According to reports, the attacker stormed the store at around 5 p.m. with a folding knife. In the midst of the chaos, Perry ran toward the danger while others scrambled for safety, using a store shelf for cover before lunging at the suspect and bringing him to the ground. Derrick seemingly managed to restrain the man until police arrived moments later. According to sources, Perry has received prior security training, which may have contributed to his composed and precise intervention.
Official Statement from Traverse City Police
Following the incident, Traverse City Police Chief Lauren Gilbert praised Perry’s bravery and stated:
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
Had he not stepped in when he did, the situation could’ve turned much worse. He likely saved lives.”
Meanwhile, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea confirmed in his statement that the attacker acted alone and that he chose the victims at random. Law enforcement officials also credited the rapid intervention that Perry and other bystanders took, which prevented more serious injuries and fatalities. Governor Gretchen Whitmer also called the incident a “brutal act of violence” and extended his thoughts to the victims and the local community.
Derrick Perry biography
Marine Corps veteran Derrick Perry is a resident of Traverse City, Michigan, who recently stepped in and intervened with the attacker during a stabbing incident. He is known in his community as a devoted family man, and although not much is publicly known about his early life, sources state that Perry has a background in security or self-defense training. Perry was reportedly at Walmart shopping with his loved ones during the day of the stabbing.
His neighbors described him as a quiet, dependable man who is always willing to lend a hand. Netizens on social media have now labelled him as a hometown hero. According to reports, city officials are planning to honor Perry with a Community Hero Award in the coming days.
I want everyone to meet Derrick Perry.
Derrick is a HERO! He saved COUNTLESS LIVES with a firearm.
He is credited with running into action and holding the Walmart mass st*bbing suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.
Lives were saved because of Derrick! pic.twitter.com/BrFvS6FQjG
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) July 27, 2025