The former Marine who helped stop a stabbing spree at a Michigan Walmart is speaking out, and his account is a powerful reminder of how armed citizens and courageous bystanders can make the difference between chaos and tragedy.
Derrick Perry, a Marine veteran and hospital employee, was checking out at Walmart on Saturday in Traverse City, MI when panic erupted.
“A lady was like screaming for her son and all the employees and patrons were clamoring, trying to run in different directions,” Perry told ABC News.
Authorities say 42-year-old Bradford James Gilly stabbed multiple people inside the store, sending 11 to the hospital, before fleeing into the parking lot. That’s when Perry and other shoppers decided to act.
“I didn’t think of anything other than trying to get him away from people and get him isolated and get him to put the knife down,” Perry said.
Facing Down a Wild-Eyed Attacker
Witnesses describe the terrifying scene as Gilly brandished a folding knife, eyes “wild,” and muttering that “they told me to do it.” Perry calmly drew his legally carried firearm—open carry is legal in Michigan—and confronted the suspect.
“Unfortunately, there was kind of like a mob mentality and some very disturbing things were being said on how to deal with the situation,” Perry recalled. “I had to block all of that out and focus on him… I just wanted everyone to be safe.”
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Perry said he focused on de-escalation.
“I took time to actually look and listen and try to understand his mind state,” he said. “I am in a position to do something very brash, but it’s ultimately my decision to not do it as well. Just de-escalate the situation, try to get him to surrender on his own accord.”
Gilly eventually complied and was taken into custody. On Monday, he was charged with terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.
He pleaded not guilty and even tried to refuse participating in his arraignment, asking, “Do I have to do this? I don’t want to,” according to ABC News.
A “Duty to Protect”
Perry says he doesn’t feel like a hero, despite law enforcement and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) praising his actions.
“The only thing that separated me from the other gentlemen that had stepped in as well was what else I was carrying in my hands,” Perry said. “I think I would have ran out there or walked out there and helped either way. It was just a moment of, I’ve got a duty to protect.”
Police and Perry credit other unarmed bystanders for their bravery, noting that without their intervention, the attack could have been far deadlier.
For 2A supporters, this is yet another case where a law-abiding armed citizen, backed by the courage of ordinary people, helped end a rampage before it spiraled into mass tragedy.
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