WAYNE, Mich. — A violent incident unfolded at CrossPointe Community Church on Sunday, leaving the suspect dead and a church staff member injured. Authorities have identified the shooter as 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning from Romulus.
At approximately 11:06 a.m., police received an influx of 911 calls indicating an active shooter situation. Witnesses reported that Browning arrived at the church in a vehicle, displaying erratic driving behavior. Armed with a long gun and a handgun, he exited the vehicle wearing a tactical vest and proceeded to open fire outside the church.
During the incident, three to four staff members were present. In a display of quick thinking and courage, a parishioner struck Browning with their vehicle as he opened fire. Soon after, at least two staff members returned fire, resulting in the shooter’s death. The police chief, Ryan Strong, praised their actions, asserting they “prevented dozens of people from being murdered.”
Amid the chaos, one staff member suffered a leg injury but is expected to recover. Strong expressed gratitude for the bravery demonstrated by the church employees, emphasizing that their intervention likely saved many lives.
Authorities are collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to thoroughly investigate the tragic event. Browning was found to be heavily armed at the time of the shooting, possessing an AR-15 style rifle with multiple fully loaded magazines, as well as a handgun with an extended magazine and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Reports indicate Browning’s motivations remain unclear; however, police suggest he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. It is noteworthy that he had minimal interaction with law enforcement prior to this incident and had no significant criminal history.
Security footage from inside the church captures the moment proceedings were disrupted. The congregation had concluded an event just before the shooting, and initially mistook the sound of gunfire for either an on-stage skit or construction noise. It wasn’t until a security guard arrived that people realized they needed to evacuate.
Witness Wendy Bodin described the scene unfolding around her as chaotic and terrifying. She recalled stepping into the lobby and quickly retreating to a bathroom after hearing gunfire. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever been involved in,” she said. Bodin prays for safety amid the uncertainty, noting the church’s trained security team and their protocol likely aided in averting a larger tragedy.
As the situation was developing, the church had posted signs inviting community members to attend outdoor service, as they had done the previous week for Father’s Day. Some, including Bodin, expressed concerns about the shooter’s potential foresight regarding the service’s location that day. “If that would have been the case, it would have been a different story,” she remarked, relieved that they remained indoors during the incident.
Investigators have executed a search warrant at Browning’s residence, uncovering additional weapons and ammunition. The investigation continues as the community processes the events of that fateful Sunday.