Armed church members heroically prevented a mass shooting at a church when they neutralized a gunman who arrived with a rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The brave actions of CrossPointe Community Church’s security team stopped what could have been a massacre.
The incident occurred during a Vacation Bible School service attended by 150 people, including many children.
The Wayne Police Department has now identified the gunman as 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning of Romulus, Michigan.
Police revealed that Browning’s mother is a member of the church, and the suspect had attended services two or three times over the last year.
Browning drove his truck into the church property and began shooting during the morning service.
Heavily armed with an AR-15-style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, Browning clearly came prepared for a large-scale attack.
The church’s livestream captured the chaotic moments as the shooting began, with one church member desperately trying to direct others to safety.
“C’mon, everybody to the back,” a woman calls out. The woman, who was initially crouching between two rows of seats, stands and waves an arm. “Please, everyone come to the back!”
A quick-thinking parishioner ran over Browning with a vehicle as he approached the building, temporarily disabling him.
This brave action gave the church security team critical moments to respond and engage the shooter.
“He was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church,” Pastor Bobby Kelly said.
The church security team, which had been established over a decade ago due to increasing violence against places of worship, quickly locked the church doors and exchanged gunfire with Browning.
A security team member ultimately shot and killed the gunman before he could enter the main sanctuary.
Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong praised the response: “We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting.”
Only one person suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and is in stable condition after surgery.
A search of Browning’s home revealed additional firearms and ammunition, which authorities confiscated.
Police noted that Browning had no previous criminal history or police contacts but indicated “he may have been suffering a mental health crisis.”
This incident highlights the growing threats to religious institutions. The Detroit Free Press reports over 430 violent incidents at houses of worship in 2023 alone.
CrossPointe’s foresight in establishing a security team more than ten years ago likely saved dozens of lives.
Wayne Deputy Police Chief Finley Carter acknowledged the value of such preparation, stating: “In today’s society, any training that can preserve life is beneficial.”
As of now, the Wayne Police Department’s investigation into the shooting continues.
