A church shooting suspect was run over by a deacon before being killed by a security guard in a shocking yet heroic confrontation at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan. The incident unfolded during Sunday morning service when a heavily armed man arrived with what appeared to be deadly intentions. Thanks to the quick actions of church members and security personnel, a potentially devastating tragedy was averted.
Good Guys With Courage Stop Armed Attacker
The chaos erupted approximately 30 minutes into the worship service. A deacon, sitting in his Ford F-150 in the church parking lot, noticed a man dressed in camouflage clothing and a tactical vest retrieving multiple weapons from his car. Recognizing the imminent threat, the deacon acted decisively—ramming the suspect with his truck before the man could enter the building.
According to CrossPointe Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly, Jr., “He was run over by one of our members who saw that happening when he was coming into church.” The deacon’s split-second decision may have prevented the suspect from entering the sanctuary and launching a full-scale attack on unsuspecting congregants.
Despite being struck by the vehicle, the suspect managed to fire his weapon in a gunfight with the church’s armed security guard. The guard, trained and on-site to protect the congregation, returned fire. The suspect was fatally shot, though the guard sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. He is expected to recover.
Police Identify Armed Suspect and His Connection to Church
Officers with the City of Wayne Police Department responded quickly to the scene and confirmed the sequence of events in a public statement: “Upon arrival, officers determined that a security guard for the church shot and killed the suspect.”
The shooter was identified as 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning of Romulus, Michigan. Investigators discovered that Browning had previously attended CrossPointe Community Church a few times over the past year, and his mother is believed to be a member of the congregation.
Police found a semi-automatic rifle with over a dozen loaded magazines in Browning’s possession, along with a handgun and several hundred rounds of ammunition. These details suggest that the suspect was heavily armed and potentially planning a mass shooting.
A Stark Reminder of Today’s Realities for Places of Worship
The event serves as a sobering reminder of the unfortunate need for armed protection in places once thought to be sanctuaries of peace. In decades past, the idea of armed guards at a church might have been unthinkable. Today, it’s increasingly seen as necessary.
Pastor Kelly expressed gratitude for the members who protected the congregation, emphasizing how close the church community came to tragedy. “If it weren’t for the quick action of our deacon and our security guard, we would be having a very different conversation today.”
The bravery displayed by the deacon and the security guard prevented what could have been a mass casualty event. While the incident underscores the troubling reality of targeted violence in religious spaces, it also highlights the importance of preparedness and the life-saving impact of good people willing to take action in the face of danger.
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