On June 22, 2025, a tragic active shooter incident occurred at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, where 31-year-old Brian Browning attempted to attack a Sunday service attended by over 100 people. He was heavily armed, carrying an assault-style rifle and a semi-automatic handgun, with legally acquired ammunition. However, church staff, trained for such emergencies, successfully thwarted the attack, ultimately shooting and killing Browning. Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong praised the heroic actions of the church security, asserting that they “undoubtedly saved many lives” and prevented a larger tragedy.
The police indicated that Browning, a Romulus resident with no criminal record, might have acted due to a mental health crisis, as he had no prior contact with law enforcement. His mother was a member of the church, and he had attended services there a few times over the past year. Witnesses reported Browning driving erratically and wielding weapons as he approached the church entrance.
During the confrontation, Browning exchanged gunfire with the security team, who had locked the doors to prevent him from entering. The rapid responses of the church staff saved numerous lives, with only one injury reported—a church security member who sustained a leg wound but was in stable condition after surgery.
This incident highlights the growing concern of violence targeting places of worship in the U.S., as reports show an alarming increase in attacks. Local authorities and security experts stress the importance of robust security plans for faith-based institutions, particularly given the current societal climate marked by hostility toward churches. As church member Don Schlamb noted, their preparedness played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all attendees during the harrowing event.
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