What should have been a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare when a gunman launched a terrifying attack at a Michigan church.
Armed with a rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, the man endangered the lives of hundreds of people, including many children.
Despite the clear danger, brave church members thwarted the mass shooting when they ran over the attacker, and a security team member shot him, saving countless innocent lives.
Police have now identified the gunman as 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning from Romulus, Michigan.
Browning drove his truck into CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne during morning vacation Bible school service before opening fire.
He was heavily armed with an AR-15-style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a clear indication that he intended to carry out a mass casualty event.
Fortunately, the church had established security measures more than a decade ago, which proved lifesaving.
This comes at a time when violence against places of worship has escalated nationwide, with over 430 incidents reported in 2023 alone.
When Browning began his attack, quick-thinking parishioners and security team members sprang into action.
One church member heroically used their vehicle to run over Browning outside the building, giving the security team crucial moments to respond.
The church security team locked the doors and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was ultimately shot and killed by a security team member.
“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 situation could have been catastrophic. As the attack began, video from the church’s livestream captured the terrifying moments as congregants rushed to safety.
“C’mon, everybody to the back,” could be heard saying. She stood up and waved her hand. “Please, everyone come to the back!”
Despite the attacker’s arsenal and apparent intent, only one person suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and is in stable condition after surgery.
A search of Browning’s home revealed additional firearms and ammunition, which were confiscated by authorities.
While police suggested Browning “may have been suffering a mental health crisis,” they noted he had no previous criminal history or police contacts.
The gunman’s mother was a member of the church, and he had attended services sporadically over the past year.
“He first came when his mother invited him, and I met him,” Pastor Bobby Kelly said.
“He seemed to really have some thoughts that were not threatening or anything like that, but he definitely had some thoughts as far as hearing from God,” he added.
The outcome could have been devastating if the church had not employed a security team with armed members ready to protect their congregation.
As Deputy Chief Finley Carter noted, “In today’s society, any training that can preserve life is beneficial.”
