An armed gunman was shot and killed by church security staff at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan on Sunday morning, preventing what police describe as a potential mass shooting. The incident occurred during a Vacation Bible School service attended by approximately 150 congregants, including many children.
Brian Browning, 31, of Romulus, arrived at the church located at 36125 Glenwood Road around 11:15 a.m. wearing tactical gear and carrying both a long gun and handgun. Police say Browning exited his vehicle and began firing at the church building. A church deacon who was arriving for the service struck Browning with his Ford F-150 pickup truck, according to The Detroit News.
Security Team Response
Following the vehicle strike, at least two church staff members opened fire on Browning, delivering fatal wounds before he could enter the sanctuary, according to CNN. Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. confirmed that Browning was "run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church."
One security guard sustained a gunshot wound to the leg but is expected to recover. Several shots struck the church building, but Browning did not gain entry to the sanctuary where the service was taking place. Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong stated at an evening press conference that "their actions prevented dozens of people from being murdered."
Church Security Preparedness
CrossPointe Community Church established its security team approximately ten years ago in response to increasing violence at houses of worship across the United States. Pastor Kelly told The Detroit News that the church had not received any direct threats prior to Sunday's attack, but acknowledged that "we are sitting ducks to someone who wants to come and do harm."
During the initial moments of the attack, many congregants inside the sanctuary believed the gunfire sounds were construction noise and continued with the service. Church security directed an evacuation once the threat was identified. Video from the church's livestream shows congregants calmly exiting the sanctuary after being instructed to move to the back of the building.
Video from Click on Detroit shows congregants evacuating during the incident
National Context of Church Attacks
The incident reflects ongoing security concerns for religious institutions nationwide. First Liberty Institute reported 436 attacks on churches in 2023, representing more than double the number from the previous year. While 2024 data shows a decrease to 841 attacks across all faith-based organizations, Protestant churches accounted for 49% of incidents, according to Christian Warrior Training.
The majority of attacks on houses of worship involve property crimes such as vandalism, theft, and arson rather than active shooter situations. However, when armed attacks do occur, proper security preparation has proven crucial in preventing casualties.
Investigation Details
Wayne Police investigators believe Browning was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the attack, though his specific motive for targeting the church remains under investigation. Police said Browning had no apparent connection to the church or its congregation. The FBI has deployed support teams to assist with the investigation.
The attack occurred during what federal officials describe as a heightened threat environment following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, though authorities have not indicated any connection between those events and Sunday's shooting.
Community Response
State Senator Darrin Camilleri, who represents Wayne, praised the response by church security and the deacon. "This could have been anybody," Camilleri told The Detroit News. "This could have been any church, any mosque, any temple. I am grateful they were prepared for the worst and were able to stop the worst from happening."
Pastor Kelly reported that the children present during the incident are "doing good" and that church leadership is developing formal protocols for addressing the aftermath. The church plans to continue its regular services while cooperating with the ongoing federal and local investigation.
Wayne Police continue to investigate the incident with assistance from multiple agencies, including the FBI, Michigan State Police, and Wayne County Sheriff's Office. The case demonstrates the effectiveness of security preparedness at religious institutions and the importance of trained personnel in preventing mass casualty events.
