In a shocking incident on Sunday morning, a shooting occurred outside the CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, while the church was filled with worshippers. The assailant, identified as Brian Anthony Browning, a 31-year-old man, had reportedly attended services at the church a few times in the past year. According to the police, Browning's mother is a member of the church.
During the service, a livestream captured the panic as several individuals rushed to protect children, urging them to duck down and move to safety. A woman, seen crouching between rows of seats, was heard calling out, “C’mon, everybody to the back!” as she waved her arm to guide the congregation to safety. Amidst the chaos, people were heard yelling “Go!” and “Come on!” as they scrambled to escape the impending danger.
The situation escalated quickly when Browning, who appeared outside the church wearing a tactical vest and armed with a rifle and a handgun, opened fire as he approached. His reckless driving prior to the incident had already drawn the attention of churchgoers, leading to a heightened sense of alarm.
As Browning fired shots, hitting one individual in the leg, a parishioner driving a pickup truck struck him, and church security swiftly responded by locking the front doors. They engaged in a gunfight with the assailant, resulting in Browning being shot by at least two members of the security team. Police Chief Ryan Strong later praised the heroic actions of these staff members, stating they “undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting.”
At the time of the shooting, approximately 150 people were inside the church. One member of the security team sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was reported to be in stable condition following surgery. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported among the congregation.
Wayne, a city with a population of around 17,000, is located roughly 25 miles west of Detroit. In the aftermath of the incident, police executed a search warrant at Browning's residence in Romulus, where they discovered additional rifles, handguns, and a significant amount of ammunition.
Witnesses shared their shock and confusion during the ordeal. Wendy Bodin, a worshipper, recounted hearing a loud “boom” and initially mistaking it for a car crash until she saw Browning sprawled on the grass outside the church. She quickly realized the severity of the situation and called 911.
Authorities, including the FBI, have been involved in the investigation, although it remains unclear what prompted Browning’s violent actions. Messages seeking comments from the church were not returned immediately.
This tragic event has left the Wayne community and beyond grappling with the realities of gun violence, particularly in places of worship. The support and bravery shown by the church’s staff have highlighted the importance of preparedness in such critical situations.
