BELLEVUE, WA – Once again, the actions of an armed private citizen were instrumental in bringing an end to a brutal Saturday knife attack in Traverse City, Michigan, reminding us of the important role privately-owned and carried firearms play in today’s society, the Citizens Committee for the Right to keep and Bear Arms said.
“We are particularly impressed with the heroic actions of the armed citizen, identified on social media as Derrick Perry,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “Not only did he confront the suspect, he exercised remarkable control of the situation, which was captured on video that has been seen by millions of Americans on various network news broadcasts. He held the suspect at gunpoint until responding law enforcement could arrive and take the man into custody.”
The knife-wielding suspect has been identified as Bradford James Gille. According to the New York Post, he faces 11 counts of assault and one count of terrorism. Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea praised the actions of Perry and other citizens who intervened to help subdue the suspect until authorities arrived. He reportedly has had earlier troubles with the law.
“Armed citizens have often intervened to stop deadly attacks,” said Gottlieb, who has co-authored several books dealing with the importance of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. “When such incidents occur, we are often disappointed when the establishment media seems to quickly downplay, if not completely ignore, the use of a firearm by an armed citizen to intervene and stop the mayhem. This time, the incident was captured on video, so it cannot be ignored. Mister Perry’s courageous action deserves recognition, not just by his fellow Michigan residents, but by Americans everywhere.
“We applaud Mr. Perry for stepping in when it really counted,” Gottlieb added. “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.”