A church security guard shot and killed a gunman in suburban Detroit on Sunday morning, after a deacon ran him down with a truck.
The Wayne, Michigan, Police Department responded to a report of an active shooter at Crosspointe Community Church shortly after 11 a.m.
When officers arrived, they discovered that the security guard had killed the suspect, who was identified as a 31-year-old man by police.
At least one more person, another security guard, was shot in the leg. Several gunshots were fired into the church.
Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. told The Detroit News that a deacon hit the shooter with his Ford F-150 truck, giving a security guard time to shoot the armed attacker outside the church.
“He was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church,” Kelly told me.
At an evening press conference, police said the suspect’s erratic driving drew the attention of church employees. He exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest and carrying a long gun and a handgun.
As he approached the church, he started firing his weapon. Several staff members approached the gunman before he was hit by the deacon’s vehicle, which he shot at multiple times.
At least two staff members shot the gunman, causing fatal injuries. They have asked not to be identified at this time.
Police say the church staff’s actions “prevented dozens of people from being murdered today.”
The shooter’s identity has not been revealed, but the pastor claims he does not appear to be a member of the congregation.
The video from the church’s livestream on YouTube shows how the crowd reacts to the suspected active shooter.
As the service ended and the congregation applauded, shouting could be heard off-screen.
People in the church then begin to hide behind chairs, while others flee the room.
A church official instructs everyone to move to the back of the room.
“Please bring everyone to the back. “Come to the back!” the person yells, before what appears to be a shot is heard.
The sound is then cut off, and people continue to leave.
According to Pastor Kelly, approximately 150 people were attending a special vacation Bible school service on Sunday when the shooting occurred, indicating that more children than usual were present.
The church has had security on-site for about a decade in response to violence at other places of worship across the United States, though no direct threats have been made.
“We are sitting ducks to someone who wants to come and do harm,” she stated.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated on X that “Our leadership and support teams are on the ground, at the scene, in Wayne, Michigan, providing assistance and investigative support.”
According to Michigan State Senator Darrin Camilleri, “Gun violence has no place in our community, and it’s deeply disturbing that a place of worship was targeted this morning.” I am deeply grateful to the security officer and Deacon whose heroic actions today prevented a significant loss of life.”
He added, “I will keep the entire CrossPointe Church family in my thoughts as they deal with this tragedy. I’ve been in contact with Mayor Rhaesa and will remain available to help as the investigation continues.”
