A church security guard stepped in and acted quickly to save lives when a heavily armed man tried to burst into a Sunday service at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, with the man later being identified as a 31-year-old named Brian Browning, whose mother reportedly attends CrossPointe.
For context, on Sunday, June 22, 2025, Brian Browning attempted to attack churchgoers, reportedly while carrying multiple weapons, including an assault rifle and a semi-automatic handgun, both of which police said Browning had legally required. Browning was thwarted when an armed member of the church’s security team shot him dead.
Speaking to the Detroit Free Press on June 23, Wayne Deputy Chief Finley Carter weighed in on the incident, saying, “In today’s society, any training that can preserve life is beneficial.” He added that with tensions rising in the world, Americans should “remain vigilant and remain aware and prepared for an event.”
In addition, during a press conference on June 22, Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong said that he and his team were “grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members,” adding that the security team’s quick response undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting.”
Furthermore, according to the Free Press, one churchgoer who was interviewed said that the security team at CrossPointe had trained and prepared to respond in the event of an attack on the church. That worshiper said that the security team’s training had protected “all those attending.”
Importantly, press accounts also confirmed that Browning’s mother is a member of CrossPointe, and police noted that they had been informed that Browning had attended a few services at the church himself. In addition, police said that Browning had no criminal history but speculated that he may have been going through a mental health crisis.
Additionally, Bobby Kelly Jr., the pastor of CrossPointe Community Church, issued a statement published by ABC News regarding the incident, saying, “Please pray for our healing, the strengthening of our faith, and the continued bond of unity brought about through this shared traumatic experience, and for the family of Brian Browning. They are hurting too.”
Likewise, even FBI Director Dan Bongino weighed in on the matter on X on June 22, writing, “Our leadership and support teams are on the ground, at the scene, in Wayne, Michigan, providing assistance and investigative support.” In response, one commenter speculated about FBI involvement in the incident, writing, “Why such a heavy response for a single shooter already neutralized? Sounds like there’s more to this incident than meets the eye.”
Featured image credit: Wayne Police Department