The pastor of a Michigan church targeted in a shooting on Sunday has said he believes divine intervention and the courageous actions of church members helped prevent a potential tragedy.
The incident occurred at CrossPointe Community Church in the city of Wayne. According to police, the suspect drove into the church car park erratically before exiting his vehicle wearing a tactical vest and armed with two firearms. He then began firing as he approached the building, injuring one person in the leg. At that point, members of the congregation intervened.
“A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot at the car multiple times,” Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong told reporters. “At least two members of the church staff then returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.”
The gunman has been identified as a 31-year-old white male called Brian Anthony Browning, who reportedly attended the church with his mother. One victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
Pastor Bobby Kelly, who leads CrossPointe, said he had encountered the suspect three times previously and had engaged him in spiritual conversations.
“I can’t say for sure what was in his heart or mind—he never threatened me directly,” Pastor Kelly told the Associated Press. “But it was clear he was struggling mentally. He believed he was hearing from God, and we spoke about that.”
Pastor Kelly called the intervening congregant a “hero” and said he believes God led him in that moment.
“He drove across the grass and struck the suspect while he was actively shooting at the building. That courageous act allowed our staff to respond quickly,” he said.
Pastor Kelly was about to preach on God's “hand of deliverance” when the attack began. He also shared that the church had originally planned to hold two outdoor services in June, but later decided to keep only one.
“That decision may have saved many lives,” he said. “Had we been outside yesterday, it could have been a very different story. We were definitely protected by the hand of God—there is no question in my mind.”
