Michigan Church Shooting Suspect Shot by Security Identified as 31-Year-Old Michigan Man Who Attended Church with His Mother

CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Mich

A 31-year-old Michigan man, identified as Brian Anthony Browning of Romulus, was shot and killed by a church security guard Sunday morning after opening fire outside CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, a suburb west of Detroit. Browning was heavily armed and carrying hundreds of rounds of ammunition when he was stopped before gaining entry to the building during a service.

According to a statement from the Wayne Police Department, Browning was in possession of an AR-15-style rifle with over a dozen magazines, a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, and significant additional ammunition. Authorities said he had attended the church two or three times in the past year with his mother, who is a member of the congregation.

Police said Browning’s motive remains unclear, but initial findings suggest he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. There was no indication that the incident was connected to international conflicts or ideologies, and Browning had no prior criminal history or interactions with the Wayne Police Department.

Brian Anthony Browning, 31, was fatally shot by security guards after he opened fire outside a Michigan church Sunday

The first emergency call came in at 11:06 a.m. reporting a white male in camouflage gear and a tactical vest driving erratically in a silver SUV in the church parking lot. Moments later, Browning began shooting. A church member arriving for the service struck the gunman with his pickup truck in an effort to stop the attack. This allowed the church’s armed security team to respond.

CrossPointe Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. said the vehicle strike bought critical time for security personnel to react. “He was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church,” Kelly said. “This allowed the security team to return fire.”

Browning attempted to enter the church, but the front doors had already been locked. Security engaged the suspect outside and shot him. One member of the security team was injured during the exchange, sustaining two gunshot wounds to the leg. Authorities confirmed the injuries were non-life-threatening, and the individual was reported to be in stable condition following successful surgery.

The shooting sent parishioners into a panic

Despite several rounds being fired, no other parishioners were injured. Footage from the church’s livestream captured the chaos inside, showing congregants ducking and fleeing. The video has been confirmed as authentic by police.

First responders attempted life-saving measures on Browning, but he was pronounced dead at the scene by Wayne Fire Rescue personnel. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional weapons, including rifles, semi-automatic handguns, and a large cache of ammunition.

Police Chief Ryan Strong praised the actions of the church's security team and congregation members, stating, “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.”

State Senator Darrin Camilleri, whose district includes Wayne, expressed outrage over the attack, calling it “deeply disturbing” that a gunman would target a place of worship.