Heroic Team Stops Potential Church Mass Shooting

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    WAYNE, Mich. — An attempted mass shooting at a Detroit-area church was averted by what the pastor described as divine intervention on Monday. Before the gunman, who was armed, could enter CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, he was struck by a pickup truck and then shot by security staff, preventing him from attacking over 100 people gathered inside.

    Pastor Bobby Kelly, reflecting on the events of the previous day, credited the security team, which has been in place for over a decade, for their swift actions. Although he had met the shooter, Brian Browning, on three occasions, Kelly expressed uncertainty about Browning’s intentions, noting the young man’s struggles with his mental health and his delusional conviction that God was communicating with him.

    The church’s vacation Bible school children had just finished a song when gunfire erupted outside, initially mistaken for construction noise by Kelly, who was about to begin his sermon. A security team member alerted the congregation to flee, leading to a chaotic scene where people scrambled to protect the children.

    A late-arriving church member took immediate action upon seeing Browning disembark from his car, wearing a tactical vest and armed with a rifle and a handgun. Recognizing the danger, the member used his pickup truck to thwart Browning’s advancement, possibly influenced by divine guidance, noted Kelly.

    Browning, who began shooting and injured one person, was then confronted by at least two security staff members who fired at him, said Wayne police Chief Ryan Strong. Browning, 31, had no prior police encounters but appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis.

    “This man in the pickup was instrumental,” Kelly remarked about the driver, highlighting the contributions of all involved in the church’s security response. “His action, just as Browning started shooting, allowed the security team to move in and handle the situation.”

    Following the incident, police discovered an arsenal of weapons and ammunition at Browning’s home in Romulus. Meanwhile, Browning’s mother, who occasionally attended services but was absent that Sunday, received support from Pastor Kelly, who reassured her she wasn’t to blame for her son’s actions.

    Dustin Fuoco, responsible for the church’s audio system, recounted the moment the congregation realized the danger, marked by “instant panic” as shots were fired. Ensuring his family’s safety became his priority in the ensuing chaos.

    The existence of the church’s security team predates Pastor Kelly’s tenure, a precautionary measure implemented in response to prior church shootings. “Our focus has always been readiness and safety without the congregation really even noticing,” Kelly stated.

    Interestingly, Kelly’s sermon was to center on God’s protection, a theme underscored by the events. A decision months prior had led to the service being held indoors, attributing the church’s safety to divine providence. “This could have been very different,” Kelly reflected. “It is undeniable that God’s hand shielded us.”