On Sunday, June 22, 2025, a potentially disastrous mass shooting was averted by the rapid and brave response of church security personnel of CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan. The shooting occurred around 11.15 a.m. when men, brandishing several weapons, approached the church and started shooting.
Wayne Police Department spokesman said that the suspect who was Brian Anthony Browning, 31, of Romulus, Michigan, reportedly seemed to be in the middle of a mental health crisis. Browning had put on a tactical vest and had a long gun with him, along with one handgun; coming out of his car, he started shooting at the entrance of the church. The worshippers were instantly evacuated, and everything turned into turmoil that could have potentially turned into a mass casualty incident.
Heroic Response by Church Staff and Security
Witnesses and police commended the internal security team of the church for preventing a so-called mass shooting on a large scale. Several personnel reacted to the danger, with one of the churchgoers ramming the suspect with his car. After Browning took several shots at the car, he was distracted from entering the main door of the building.
Browning was shot by two members of church security as he was going to enter the sanctuary. During the confrontation, one security guard was shot in the leg but had undergone surgery and is ready to recover fully. Church officials have not published their names as they said doing so would be a security and privacy compromise.
No Known Connection to International Events
Considering the international tensions surrounding the world in the wake of the U.S. airstrike against Iranian nuclear plants the same weekend, there were rumors in the beginning that the attack on the church could be politically or ideologically driven. Nevertheless, the law enforcement and federal investigators have not discovered any evidence of the connection between the assault and the Israel-Iran confrontation or larger geopolitical tensions.
Instead, officials believe the incident was isolated and may have been driven by personal or psychological issues. Browning had no prior criminal history, and investigators noted that his mother was a member of the same church. He had attended a few services over the past year but was not known to pose a threat.
Federal and Local Investigation Underway
The FBI, Homeland Security, and Michigan State Police are all involved in the investigation. A bomb-sniffing dog and a bomb squad were dispatched to the scene as a precaution, though no explosives were discovered. Investigators also recovered a tactical vest and two firearms, which are now being analyzed by forensic teams.
In a statement, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that federal support teams are on the ground in Wayne, assisting with the investigation and helping ensure no broader threat remains.
Heightened Security Climate Across the Nation
This incident comes at a time when the Department of Homeland Security had already warned the public about an elevated threat environment due to recent U.S. military actions abroad. In a bulletin released just days earlier, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had urged heightened vigilance, noting increased risks of cyberattacks, hate crimes, and possible domestic violence in response to international events.
Despite those warnings, police in Wayne emphasized that Sunday’s shooting showed no connection to those concerns. They continue to treat it as an isolated domestic event, albeit a deeply alarming one.
Community Reacts With Shock and Gratitude
The Wayne community is still grappling with the shock of what could have been a devastating tragedy. Local leaders and citizens have expressed sorrow but also gratitude for the security staff who acted with speed and bravery to stop the shooter.
“We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members who undoubtedly saved many lives,” said Police Chief Ryan Strong during a press conference. “Their quick response prevented what could have become one of the darkest days in our town’s history.”
