Derrick Perry praised for heroic intervention, holding suspect at gunpoint until police arrived
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) is commending the actions of an armed private citizen who, they say, was instrumental in ending a brutal knife attack in Traverse City, Michigan, on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared, underscores the crucial role that armed citizens can play in maintaining public safety, according to the CCRKBA.
“We are particularly impressed with the heroic actions of the armed citizen, identified on social media as Derrick Perry,” CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb stated. “Not only did he confront the suspect, he exercised remarkable control of the situation… He held the suspect at gunpoint until responding law enforcement could arrive and take the man into custody.”
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The suspect, identified as Bradford James Gille, faces 11 counts of assault and one count of terrorism following the incident.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea has reportedly praised Perry’s actions, along with those of other citizens who intervened to help subdue Gille until authorities arrived.
“Armed citizens have often intervened to stop deadly attacks,” Gottlieb noted, expressing disappointment that such instances are often downplayed by some media outlets. However, he acknowledged that the video evidence of Perry’s intervention makes it impossible to ignore.
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“Mister Perry’s courageous action deserves recognition, not just by his fellow Michigan residents, but by Americans everywhere,” Gottlieb added. “We applaud Mr. Perry for stepping in when it really counted. We extend our hopes for the full and swift recovery of all 11 victims of this brutal attack, and we congratulate all of the other individuals who stepped in to back Mr. Perry as he confronted the suspect. We are convinced his heroic action not only saved lives, but was crucial in detaining the suspect so justice can now take its course.”
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