A potential mass shooting was averted Sunday morning when quick-thinking members of CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, subdued and neutralized a gunman outside the building. Around 11 a.m., a man wearing a tactical vest and armed with a rifle and handgun began shooting at the church’s exterior during a special Vacation Bible School service attended by approximately 150 people, including many children. According to Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong, the suspect was run over by a church member driving a pickup truck before being fatally shot by two members of the church’s security team.
Officials praised the church’s preparedness and swift response. “We are grateful for the quick actions of the church’s staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale Potential mass shooting,” Strong said. The church security guard sustained a gunshot wound to the leg but is expected to recover. No other attendees were physically harmed.
Gunman Acted Alone Amid Apparent Mental Health Crisis
Police have identified the shooter as a 31-year-old man from Romulus but have not released his name. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect acted alone and had no known criminal history. Chief Strong stated that evidence points to a possible mental health crisis as a contributing factor, though the exact motive remains unclear. “It appears he was suffering from a mental health crisis,” Strong added, based on initial interviews.
Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. confirmed the suspect was not a known church member and never gained entry to the building, though several shots penetrated the church’s outer walls. The congregation initially mistook the gunfire for construction noise before a security guard directed an evacuation. A video clip from the service captured the moment worshippers began to exit upon hearing a clicking noise, followed by screams as the gravity of the situation became clear.
Community Reflects, Recovers, and Reassesses Security
The church had established a security team nearly a decade ago in response to increasing violence at houses of worship nationwide. Pastor Kelly emphasized the importance of such preparedness, saying, “We are sitting ducks to someone who wants to come and do harm.” On Sunday, that foresight likely saved lives.
Children present during the incident were reported to be in good condition, and the church is initiating support efforts for all members affected by the traumatic event. “We will be convening our leadership to put a formal plan in place for the aftermath,” said Kelly.
State and local law enforcement, including Michigan State Police and Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies, responded swiftly to the scene. State Senator Darrin Camilleri commended the church’s defense efforts, stating, “This could have been any church, any mosque, any temple. I am grateful they were prepared for the worst and were able to stop the worst from happening.”
As investigations continue in Potential Mass Shooting, CrossPointe Community Church remains focused on healing and maintaining the safety of its community through faith and preparedness.
