A gunman was shot and killed by a church security guard on Sunday morning in suburban Detroit after a deacon ran the shooter over with his truck. The incident took place at Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, and resulted in one other person being injured.
The Incident
The City of Wayne Police Department responded to a report of an active shooter at the church around 11 a.m. Upon arriving, officers discovered that the shooter, identified as a 31-year-old man, had already been killed by a security guard. At least one other person, another security guard, was shot in the leg, and several shots were fired into the church.
Heroic Actions of the Church Staff
Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. confirmed that the gunman was struck by a deacon’s Ford F-150 truck, which allowed a security guard to shoot the armed man outside the church.
The pastor explained, “He was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church.” According to police, the suspect’s erratic driving caught the attention of church staff. The gunman exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest, carrying both a long gun and a handgun.
As the gunman approached the church, he began firing at staff members. Several church staff members approached the shooter before the deacon struck him with his truck.
After being hit, the gunman continued to fire at the staff, and at least two staff members shot him, resulting in fatal wounds. These staff members have chosen to remain anonymous at this time.
Preventing a Tragedy
Police praised the actions of the church staff, stating that their intervention “prevented dozens of people from being murdered today.” The shooter’s identity has not been released, but Pastor Kelly confirmed that the man did not appear to be a member of the congregation.
Livestream Captures the Chaos
The church’s YouTube livestream recorded the chaotic moment as the congregation reacted to the active shooter. As the service was concluding, the crowd’s applause was interrupted by shouting off-screen.
People quickly ducked behind chairs while others fled the building. A church official was heard instructing attendees to “come to the back” of the room before a gunshot was heard. The livestream was cut off as people continued to exit.
The Church and Its Security Measures
Pastor Kelly revealed that around 150 people were in attendance for a special vacation Bible school service that day, meaning there were more children present than usual.
The church has had security on-site for about a decade in response to violence at other places of worship across the country, although there had been no direct threats made against the church.
“We are sitting ducks to someone who wants to come and do harm,” Kelly said.
Reactions from Authorities
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that FBI teams were on the ground in Wayne, Michigan, providing support and investigative assistance.
Michigan State Senator Darrin Camilleri expressed his concern, stating: “Gun violence has no place in our community, and it’s deeply disturbing that a place of worship was targeted this morning. I am profoundly grateful to the security officer and Deacon whose heroic actions prevented a major loss of life today.”
Senator Camilleri also added: “I will be keeping the entire CrossPointe Church family in my thoughts as they continue to process this tragedy. I’ve been in contact with Mayor Rhaesa and will continue to be available to assist as the investigation continues.”