A potential mass shooting was prevented Sunday morning in Wayne, Michigan, when church security staff fatally shot a gunman who opened fire outside CrossPointe Community Church. The attacker was first struck by a vehicle driven by a parishioner before being stopped by security. One person inside the church suffered a non-life-threatening injury.
The incident highlights the critical role of prepared security measures in preventing casualties during active threat situations. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
Incident Details
Churchgoers arriving for the morning service at CrossPointe Community Church on Sunday noticed a man driving erratically outside the building. The man, later identified as Brian Anthony Browning, exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest and armed with a rifle and a handgun.
He began firing as he approached the church entrance. One person inside the church was struck in the leg by a bullet.
According to police, a parishioner inside a vehicle intentionally struck the gunman as he continued firing. Following the collision, at least two members of the church’s security staff engaged the attacker, fatally shooting him.
The Attacker
Police identified the gunman as Brian Anthony Browning. Pastor Bobby Kelly stated that Browning’s mother occasionally attended the church, although she was not present on Sunday. Pastor Kelly recalled seeing Browning at a service late the previous year.
Kelly described Browning as having thoughts that were not threatening during that previous encounter but mentioned he “definitely had some thoughts as far as hearing from God.” Authorities believe the attacker may have been experiencing a mental health crisis, though a clear motive has not yet been determined.
Still image showing a law enforcement officer badge and shield
Response and Outcome
The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. in Wayne, a city located approximately 25 miles west of Detroit. Approximately 150 people were inside the church at the time of the attack.
The individual shot in the leg was treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening. No other injuries were reported among the churchgoers.
Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong credited the rapid actions of the parishioner and the security staff with preventing a larger tragedy. “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,” Chief Strong said.
Ongoing Investigation
Wayne Police Deputy Chief Finley Carter III stated that it was too early to determine a specific motive for the attack. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting local authorities with the investigation. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that bureau teams were on site providing support.
The investigation is ongoing to understand the full circumstances leading to the incident.
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