Wayne, Michigan – Authorities have identified the gunman who carried out a terrifying attack on a Michigan church Sunday as Brian Browning, a 31-year-old man who had attended services at the church with his mother.
The incident unfolded at CrossPointe Church in Wayne, a suburb of Detroit, when Browning drove his Ford F-150 into the building at 11:06 a.m., just as Sunday services were underway. He then exited the vehicle and opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle, according to the Wayne Police Department.
Browning was fatally shot by members of the church’s armed security team, who engaged him near the main entrance. One security guard was wounded—shot twice in the leg—but is recovering in the hospital following surgery. No other congregants were physically harmed, although several bullets penetrated the church structure.
“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,” said Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though authorities say Browning may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. There is no evidence linking him to any organized terrorist activity. Police also confirmed Browning had no prior criminal record or history of contact with law enforcement.
Armed and Dangerous
Browning was heavily armed at the time of the attack. In addition to the AR-15-style rifle, he was carrying a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, along with multiple loaded magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. A subsequent search of his residence revealed additional rifles, handguns, and a large stockpile of ammunition.
The FBI is assisting local authorities with the investigation. Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed federal agents are on-site in Wayne providing “investigative support and assistance.”
Heroic Intervention
In an interview with The Detroit News, Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. revealed that a church member took bold action during the attack by using their vehicle to run over the shooter, giving the security team time to neutralize the threat.
“He [the suspect] was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church,” Kelly said. “It gave our guard the opening he needed.”
Kelly noted that around 150 people were attending the vacation Bible school service at the time—many of them children.
The church had employed private security for over a decade in response to rising threats against houses of worship.
“We felt like sitting ducks without it,” Kelly said. “We knew something like this could happen. We just didn’t expect it now.”
Chaos Captured on Livestream
Footage from the church’s livestream captured chilling scenes as the congregation realized what was happening. Worshippers could be seen panicking, ducking, and fleeing, as the sound of gunfire echoed. Children were visible on stage and in pews before adults began shouting for people to “get down” and head to the back of the building.
“Come on! Come on!” someone screamed, followed by a loud bang and chaotic shouting off-screen.
Community Response and Recovery
Kelly said the congregation is now focusing on healing and support. Leaders are planning a meeting to develop a formal response strategy to help attendees—especially children—process the traumatic event.
“The children are doing good, and the congregation is coming together to support one another,” Kelly added.
The Wayne community continues to grapple with the aftermath of what could have been a far more devastating attack—one that was ultimately thwarted by quick-thinking churchgoers and trained security personnel.
