“Will is everything…”—a powerful line from Batman Begins’ antagonist Ra’s al Ghul resonated with chilling relevance this past weekend during a real-life act of heroism in Traverse City, Michigan. A man named Bradford Gille launched a random stabbing spree inside a Walmart, targeting unsuspecting shoppers in a brutal and chaotic attack. But before the situation could spiral further, two courageous former Marines, Derrick Perry and Mathew Kolakowski, stepped in.

Armed with firearms, they confronted the assailant and held him at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived. They likely prevented even more bloodshed with their quick thinking and bravery. Sadly, the attacker had already stabbed 11 people by the time officers took control of the scene. The actions of the two Marines quickly went viral, drawing national attention and widespread praise for their courage.

Former Marine Derrick Perry earns Dana White’s praise for stopping Bradford Gille.

Family members later identified one of them, seen in a now-viral video holding the suspect at gunpoint and shouting “drop the knife,” as Derrick Perry. Perry’s heroism didn’t go unnoticed. UFC CEO Dana White took to Instagram to celebrate the Marine, re-sharing a post from American entrepreneur Andy Frisella, who hailed Perry as a national hero. The message read:

“This is what men are supposed to do. Step in and handle shit when it’s required. The absence of this in our community has allowed criminals to reign free without consequences. It’s nice to see more and more men stepping up and doing what’s right regardless of the consequences. Men, it is your obligation to hold this line. Big respect to this American man for holding the line.– Andy Frisella“

Dana White didn’t just share the quote—he also tagged Frisella, joining countless voices applauding Derrick Perry for his heroic actions in a moment that demanded bravery.

Meanwhile, the attacker—Bradford James Gilles—is now in police custody. Authorities have released his mugshot, which has since gone viral across social media. Michigan officials are treating the case with utmost seriousness, reportedly preparing to file terrorism charges in addition to 11 counts of attempted murder.

According to eyewitness accounts, Gilles entered the Walmart randomly and began stabbing people without warning. Even the local sheriff acknowledged the gravity of the situation, praising the Marines for their calm, decisive response in preventing further tragedy.

Michigan hero Derrick Perry states stopping Bradford Gille at Walmart.

Bradford Gille, the suspect behind the shocking Walmart stabbing spree, reportedly has a lengthy history of assault and substance abuse. His latest rampage left 11 people injured, with victims ranging in age from an 84-year-old senior to a 29-year-old adult. The terrifying attack unfolded in seconds, leaving shoppers and staff in chaos.

A Walmart delivery worker who witnessed the scene firsthand shared a chilling account: “At first, I couldn’t believe it—thought it might be a terror attack…It all unfolded so quickly.” Authorities and emergency responders arrived swiftly, taking Gille into custody—thanks largely to the decisive actions of former Marine Derrick Perry, who confronted and disarmed the attacker.

Speaking on Good Morning America earlier today, Perry—who is married and a father of three—recalled the tense standoff and his instinctive response: “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 and just to kind of focus on me instead of everyone that was yelling and screaming in the background.”

But Derrick Perry didn’t just save lives that day—he also protected the very man responsible for the attack. After the stabber dropped his knife, tensions surged as a furious crowd prepared to mob him, ready to deliver their form of justice on the spot. What’s your take on the former Marine’s bravery? Share your thoughts below.