Michigan Security Guard Kills Gunman; Prevents Mass Shooting
An alleged active shooter at the CrossPointe Community Church in the Michigan suburb of Wayne outside of Detroit was shot and killed by a security guard as well as another church staff member who "prevented a large-scale mass shooting," according to police.
According to an AP interview with Bobby Kelly Jr., the pastor of CrossPointe, a tardy church member spotted Brian Browning as he got out of his vehicle. The church member, still in his pick up truck, called out to the shooter before hitting him with the vehicle.
Church staff said that the gunman arrived around 11:15 A.M., driving recklessly in a Nissan pick-up truck. He was armed with a long gun, wearing a tactical vest.
Brian Anthony Browning, 31, from Romulus, Michigan walked up to the church building as he began shooting. The church members involved in the shooting asked not to be identified publicly, police said.
Police did say that one member of the security team was shot once in the leg by the suspect; he was reported to be in stable condition and expected to recover.
Browning’s motives are unknown but he appeared to be suffering from a mental health crisis of some kind, according to the Wayne Police Department. He had no criminal history, according to police.
"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," Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong said during a press conference on Sunday.
Browning’s mother is a member of the church, and he attended several services over the last year. Pastor Kelly said he’d met the man three times, and asked people for their prayers, making a point to add that “the family of Brian Browning… are hurting too."
