A Sunday morning church service in Wayne, Michigan, turned into a horror scene when a 31-year-old gunman launched a violent attack on a congregation he had occasionally attended with his mother.
Gunman stopped in his tracks by church security
Armed with multiple firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, the suspect was ultimately stopped by armed church security and a brave church member.
Authorities identified the assailant as Brian Anthony Browning, who rammed his Ford F-150 truck into CrossPointe Church just after 11:00 a.m. on Sunday before opening fire with an AR-15-style rifle.
Police said Browning appeared to be in the midst of a mental breakdown.
“The suspect’s mother is a member of the church, in which he has attended church services two or three times over the course of the last year,” the Wayne Police Department noted in a statement.
Moments after Browning drove his truck into the church building, shots rang out, prompting a rapid response from the security team stationed at the entrance.
According to law enforcement, the church’s security guards acted quickly to confront the shooter outside the front entrance.
One security guard was shot twice in the leg during the confrontation and was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and is currently recovering.
Despite some bullets striking the church structure, no other churchgoers inside were injured.
Wayne Police said Browning had been driving erratically around the building before he exited his vehicle and began shooting.
Gunman had guns and a huge quantity of ammunition in his truck and at home
Browning was carrying an AR-15-style rifle and had more than a dozen magazines of ammunition with him.
Authorities reported he also had a semi-automatic handgun equipped with an extended magazine, along with hundreds of additional rounds.
Investigators executed a search of Browning’s residence following the incident and recovered multiple rifles, semi-automatic handguns, and a significant quantity of ammunition.
Law enforcement confirmed he had no previous criminal record or police contact prior to the attack.
A motive beyond the suspected mental health episode remains unclear.
Disturbing footage captured by the church’s livestream revealed the sheer panic that overtook the congregation.
Children could be seen on stage and in the pews, when the sound of gunfire sent families scrambling.
In the video, one person urged others to “get down” and move to the back of the building.
WATCH: People fleeing at Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan after shooting. pic.twitter.com/jJXi1GXeWR
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) June 22, 2025
Screams of “come on, come on” echoed throughout the sanctuary as frightened worshipers attempted to flee. A loud bang followed, along with chaos erupting offscreen.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed federal agents were present in Wayne to provide investigative support in the aftermath.
Pastor praises church members who protected flock
Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. told The Detroit News that one church member took extraordinary action in the face of danger by using their own truck to hit the shooter.
“He (the suspect) was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church,” Pastor Kelly said.
The intervention provided a crucial window for the armed security team to engage the shooter. Browning was ultimately shot and killed at the scene.
Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong praised the quick and courageous actions taken by those on-site.
“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,” he said.
Pastor Kelly stated that approximately 150 people were present in the building at the time of the attack, including numerous children participating in a vacation Bible school service.
Initially, many assumed the noise outside was related to nearby construction.
The church has had private security for over a decade in response to increasing incidents of violence directed at religious institutions.
Kelly said that prior to hiring protection, church leaders felt like “sitting ducks.”
Plans are underway for the church to hold a special meeting to begin the process of addressing the trauma inflicted by Sunday’s violence.
When asked about the children in attendance during the incident, Kelly said they were “doing good” and that the community was rallying around one another for support.
In response to the shooting, Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd issued a warning to religious leaders nationwide.
“The active shooter event at Crosspoint Community Church reminds us all that churches must have a safety plan ready to respond to an active shooter,” Judd said.
He urged every house of worship to take immediate action, saying, “Does your house of worship have a plan to protect and immediately stop an active shooter?”
Judd highlighted the need for vigilance, warning that no church location of any denomination is immune from such threats.
