WAYNE, Mich. (BN24) — A would-be gunman was shot and killed by church security staff Sunday morning after opening fire outside a packed suburban Michigan church, in what police say could have become a mass shooting if not for swift and decisive intervention by churchgoers.
The incident unfolded shortly before noon at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, about 25 miles west of Detroit, where roughly 150 people were attending a worship service. Police said the suspect, a 31-year-old white male, pulled into the church parking lot recklessly, got out of his vehicle wearing a tactical vest, and was armed with a rifle and a handgun.
According to Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong, the suspect began firing rounds toward the church, striking one person in the leg. A parishioner in a pickup truck responded by ramming the gunman with the vehicle, providing enough time for at least two staff members to return fire. The shooter was struck and fatally wounded by church security.
“We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting,” said Chief Strong during a press briefing.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, had no known connection to the church, and police believe he may have been suffering from a mental health crisis. The exact motive remains under investigation, authorities said.
The only injury beyond the suspect’s death was to a single worshipper who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Wendy Bodin, a churchgoer, told WXYZ-TV she heard a “boom” and looked outside to see a man lying on the grass. “I thought he got hit or crashed his car or was hurt,” she said. “And another lady saw and pointed to me and said, ‘Oh my, call 911!’”
Authorities said CrossPointe’s security team responded in seconds, neutralizing the threat before he could enter the sanctuary.
The church’s website lists its Sunday worship service time as 10:45 a.m., and the shooting occurred around 11 a.m., just as services were underway.
Wayne Police and El Dorado County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene, alongside the FBI, whose support teams arrived to assist in the investigation. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the bureau’s leadership was coordinating with local law enforcement to determine the shooter’s background and intent.
Deputy Police Chief Finley Carter III said it was too early to determine a motive, but early indicators point to a disturbed individual acting alone.
The small city of Wayne, home to about 17,000 residents, is still reeling from the narrowly averted tragedy. Church leaders and community members have expressed gratitude that the incident didn’t result in greater loss of life.
“This could have been a devastating attack, but thanks to the preparedness of church staff and the bravery of members of the congregation, a massacre was stopped before it could begin,” said Chief Strong.
Authorities are expected to release the suspect’s identity and additional details about the investigation in the coming days.
