WAYNE, Mich. — A potential mass shooting was averted Sunday morning after church staff and parishioners at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, acted swiftly to stop an armed gunman.
According to Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. during a church service attended by roughly 150 people. A man wearing a tactical vest and carrying both a handgun and a long gun exited a vehicle after driving recklessly into the parking lot. As he approached the church building, he began shooting.
Heroic Actions Stopped the Shooter
Police say the quick, courageous response from parishioners and church staff prevented what could have been a deadly tragedy. A church member used their truck to strike the gunman, even as the suspect opened fire on the vehicle.
“A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly,” said Chief Strong. “At least two staff members shot the gunman, causing the fatal wounds.“
The suspect, described as a 31-year-old white male, was pronounced dead at the scene.
One Injured, Many Lives Saved
Only one person was reported injured—a victim who was shot in the leg—but no other attendees were harmed, authorities confirmed.
Worshipper Wendy Bodin told WXYZ-TV she heard a loud “boom,” looked outside, and saw a man on the ground. “I thought he got hit or crashed his car or was hurt,” she said. Another woman then pointed and told her to call 911.
Motive Unclear, Mental Health Suspected
Police say the motive remains unclear, but early indications suggest the gunman may have been suffering from a mental health crisis. The man had no known ties to the church, and authorities have not yet released his name.
Wayne Police Deputy Chief Finley Carter III said it was too early to determine intent, and investigations are ongoing.
FBI and Law Enforcement Involvement
The FBI has joined the investigation, with Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirming that “leadership and support teams” were on-site assisting local authorities.
Messages seeking comment from church leadership were not immediately returned, but Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. told the Detroit News that the gunman was neutralized before entering the building thanks to the “decisive and selfless actions” of churchgoers.
