You want to talk about head-scratching decisions from the bench? Let’s talk about what just went down in Michigan.
On Saturday, shoppers at a Traverse City Walmart were caught in what can only be described as a nightmare: a man named James Bradford Gille allegedly went on a stabbing spree near the checkout line, injuring eleven people before being stopped — not by police, but by a heroic bystander.
That bystander, Marine Derrick Perry, confronted Gille in the parking lot, held him at gunpoint, and waited for police to arrive. Perry later said Gille looked “wild-eyed” and kept muttering, “They told me to do it. They told me to do it.”
Eligible for bond? This individual just went on a rampage, and by the grace of God didn’t end anyone’s life.
Allowing him to be released into the community spits in the face of those who protect and serve, and only puts more people at risk. pic.twitter.com/CK6c2KGykS
— Senator Aric Nesbitt (@SenAricNesbitt) July 28, 2025
Sounds terrifying, right? Well, fast forward to Monday’s arraignment. Gille was charged with 11 counts of assault with intent to murder, plus terrorism charges. The Grand Traverse County prosecutor requested a significant bond. And what did Magistrate Tammi Rodgers do? Set it at $100,000.
Which means — in real-world terms — this accused terrorist would only need to post $10,000 to walk free. Oh, and if he somehow pulls that off, the judge says he just has to promise not to use drugs, drink alcohol, or visit any Walmart. That’ll keep everyone safe, right?
Michigan state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt wasn’t having it: “Eligible for bond? This individual just went on a rampage, and by the grace of God didn’t end anyone’s life. Allowing him to be released into the community spits in the face of those who protect and serve.”
Others piled on, questioning how a man facing terrorism charges and a history of mental illness could even conceivably be put back on the streets.
And that history? It’s not minor. Back in 2017, Gille was found not guilty by reason of insanity for digging up corpses and mutilating them. You read that right — this is a man with a documented, deeply disturbing criminal past, who now stands accused of trying to murder 11 innocent people in broad daylight.
Yet somehow, a judge thought a $100,000 bond — with promises not to drink or go to Walmart — would suffice.
If that feels like a dangerous disconnect between the justice system and public safety, that’s because it is.