Church Security Guard Stops Alleged Would Be Shooter
A gunman was shot and killed by a security guard after opening fire outside CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, during a Sunday service attended by approximately 150 people.
The attack occurred during a special vacation Bible school event, a summer program designed for children, heightening concerns over the safety of faith-based gatherings.
The assailant, a 31-year-old man whose identity has not yet been released, was intercepted before he could enter the building. According to reports from The Detroit News, a church deacon intervened by ramming the attacker with his Ford F-150 pickup truck, which allowed the church’s armed security guard to engage and ultimately neutralize the threat. The guard was injured during the exchange and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. No other injuries were reported.
Livestream footage from inside the church captured the tense moments as worshipers—many of them children—scrambled for cover after being instructed to evacuate. Despite the quick and effective response, the shooter managed to fire several rounds into the building before he was stopped.
Wayne Police Deputy Chief Finley Carter confirmed that the suspect did not appear to be affiliated with the church. Law enforcement officials from local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI, are actively investigating the incident. Deputy Director Dan Bongino of the FBI stated via social media that federal teams are on-site providing investigative support.
WATCH: People fleeing at Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan after shooting. pic.twitter.com/jJXi1GXeWR
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Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. revealed that CrossPointe had established a security team approximately a decade ago, in response to the growing number of threats against religious institutions. While the church had not received any specific threats prior to Sunday’s shooting, Kelly emphasized the vulnerability places of worship face in the current climate.
“We are sitting ducks to someone who wants to come and do harm,” he said, reflecting a broader national concern over rising incidents of violence targeting churches and other religious gatherings.
Authorities have not released further details about the shooter’s motive or background, but investigations remain ongoing.