A dramatic and deadly confrontation unfolded Sunday morning at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, when a gunman was fatally shot by a security guard after being struck by a deacon’s truck.
Police responded to reports of an active shooter shortly after 11 a.m. Authorities said the 31-year-old suspect had been neutralized by an armed church security officer by the time they arrived.
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One security guard was shot in the leg during the incident, and several rounds were fired into the church. As the service concluded, terrified congregants fled or took cover behind chairs, as captured in the church’s YouTube livestream.
According to Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr., the situation turned when a deacon ran over the shooter with his Ford F-150, buying time for security personnel to react.
“He was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church,” Kelly told The Detroit News.
At a press conference later that evening, police detailed how the suspect’s erratic driving raised red flags. The man exited his vehicle in a tactical vest, armed with both a long gun and a handgun, and began firing as he approached the church entrance.
Church staff confronted the shooter as he opened fire. After being struck by the vehicle, the suspect continued firing at it. At least two staff members shot him, delivering fatal wounds. The shooters have not been publicly identified.
Police credited their quick and decisive actions, stating they “prevented dozens of people from being murdered today.”
The suspect’s identity has not been released, but Pastor Kelly confirmed he did not appear to be affiliated with the congregation. Roughly 150 people, including many children attending a special vacation Bible school service, were present during the attack.
Livestream footage captured the chaos: applause from the conclusion of the service quickly gave way to screams, ducking congregants, and people fleeing to the back of the sanctuary before the audio cut off.
The church had maintained on-site security for nearly a decade in response to rising violence at houses of worship nationwide, despite never receiving specific threats.
“We are sitting ducks to someone who wants to come and do harm,” Kelly said.
Law enforcement presence was heavy following the shooting, with emergency vehicles lining the street. The FBI’s Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the agency is assisting with the investigation, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that teams are “on the ground… providing assistance and investigative support.”
Michigan State Senator Darrin Camilleri condemned the attack in a statement:
“Gun violence has no place in our community, and it’s deeply disturbing that a place of worship was targeted this morning. I am profoundly grateful to the security officer and deacon whose heroic actions prevented a major loss of life.”
Camilleri added that he was in contact with Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa and pledged continued support as the investigation moves forward.
