He and His Mother Attended Same Michigan Church. Then He Showed up with a Rifle — But Congregants Thought Fast

A Michigan church community was shocked when a man attempted a mass shooting at their place of worship. The CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, was the scene of a terrifying incident when a man later identified as 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning entered the church with a rifle. This alarming event unfolded on Sunday, June 22, prompting swift action from congregants and law enforcement.

According to reports, Browning, who had been attending the church intermittently for some time, was spotted in camouflage clothing and a tactical vest. He was seen grabbing guns from his vehicle with the intention to enter the church. The presence of an armed individual immediately raised concern among churchgoers, leading to calls to the authorities. Browning’s actions set off a chain of events that put the congregation in imminent danger.

The lead pastor of the church, Bobby Kelly Jr., revealed that Browning was the son of a woman who occasionally attended the church, although she was not a regular member. Despite not having a consistent presence at the church, Browning had been seen there about three times since he first started attending last year, with his most recent visit being in February. This background information shed light on Browning’s connection to the community he sought to harm.

Eyewitnesses described Browning’s erratic behavior in the church parking lot, which quickly escalated to reports of gunshots being fired. The situation became critical as security measures were activated to protect the congregation from harm. A brave parishioner driving a pickup truck intervened by hitting Browning, providing a crucial distraction that allowed security officials to engage with him before he could cause further harm.

In a tragic turn of events, a member of the security team at the church was forced to use lethal force to stop Browning’s violent actions. The decisive actions taken by church staff and security personnel were praised by the Wayne police, who acknowledged that their swift response likely prevented a larger tragedy from unfolding. The community was left shaken by the incident, with many expressing gratitude for the quick thinking and courage displayed during the crisis.

Law enforcement officials indicated that Browning had no prior criminal record and no history of interactions with the police. Their investigation suggested that Browning may have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident, highlighting the complex factors that can contribute to such acts of violence. The aftermath of the attempted mass shooting left the church community grappling with questions about safety and security in places of worship.

As the investigation into the incident continues, the CrossPointe Community Church and its members are coming to terms with the reality of how close they came to a devastating tragedy. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats, as well as the resilience and unity that can emerge in the aftermath of crisis. The community’s resilience and the actions of those who intervened to prevent further harm are a testament to the strength and courage that can emerge in times of adversity.