WAYNE, Mich. — Authorities have identified the man who opened fire at CrossPointe Community Church on June 22, resulting in chaos as congregants attempted to escape. The Wayne police received emergency calls at 11:06 a.m. reporting an active shooter situation unfolding at the church.
Police Chief Ryan Strong disclosed that the shooter, 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning from Romulus, arrived at the church in a reckless manner. Upon exiting his vehicle, Browning, clad in tactical gear and armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, began firing indiscriminately at the church building. During the incident, several church staff members managed to confront Browning, with two staff members returning fire and successfully neutralizing him.
Strong commended the church’s staff for their swift response, stating their actions likely saved numerous lives. “Their heroic efforts prevented what could have been a large-scale tragedy,” he said. One staff member suffered a gunshot wound to the leg but is expected to recover.
Local, state, and federal agencies are collaborating on the ongoing investigation into the shooting. Browning reportedly had a significant cache of weapons, including more than a dozen fully loaded magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Investigators revealed that Browning attended CrossPointe Community Church occasionally over the past year, with his mother being a church member. Despite previous interactions, authorities indicated they were limited and he had no prior criminal record.
Witness accounts paint a vivid picture of the panic that ensued. Inside the church, video footage captures the moment the crowd reacts to the gunfire. Lead Pastor Bobby Kelly recounted that the congregation, initially unsure of the noise’s origin, was alerted by a security guard to evacuate the premises. The chaotic scene forced attendees to find refuge behind chairs or flee toward the back of the church, as loud bangs and screams echoed through the building.
Wendy Bodin, a churchgoer who sought safety in a bathroom during the attack, described it as “the scariest thing” she had ever experienced. While huddled with another person, they heard the distant sound of gunfire and footsteps. Bodin expressed gratitude for the church’s well-trained security team for guiding attendees towards safety despite the danger.
The church had recently held an outdoor service for Father’s Day, which led Bodin to ponder the potential outcome had the attack occurred then. “If we had been outside, it could have been a completely different situation,” she reflected. “Thankfully, we were indoors, and he didn’t make it into the building.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this violent encounter, many are praising the courage of those who intervened in a moment of crisis. Investigators continue to search Browning’s home for clues about his motivations, but initial reports point to potential mental health struggles rather than a specific grievance. The community remains shaken but thankful for the lives saved during this tragic event.