Tragedy Averted: Gunman Shot and Killed After Opening Fire at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan
A Sunday morning worship service at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Mich. turned harrowing when a 31‑year‑old male suspect crashed a truck into the church and opened fire on congregants. The suspect was fatally shot by the church’s security guard, averting what officials believe could have been a mass casualty event .
🚨 Sequence of Events
- Around 11 a.m., the suspect plowed a vehicle into the church grounds and began firing during the service .
- A church member reacted swiftly by driving a truck into the suspect, incapacitating him momentarily .
- This intervention provided the church’s trained security guard an opening to shoot and kill the assailant .
🩹 Casualties & Response
- One person—the security guard himself—sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was hospitalized and expected to recover .
- No other congregants were injured, in part due to rapid security response and guidance from church personnel .
- Roughly 150 people, including families and children, were present during the service when the incident occurred .
🎥 Live Footage Captures the Chaos
Live-streamed video from the service shows the moment gunshots ring out inside the church. Panicked worshippers are heard shouting “Everybody to the back!” as they scramble for safety behind chairs and move toward exits . One eyewitness later described hiding in a bathroom stall until it was safe to escape .
👮♂️ Security Team to the Rescue
Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. revealed that the church established a volunteer security team a decade ago, given the rising threat of violence at houses of worship. This training and preparedness proved critical in protecting the congregation .
The church member’s quick action with his truck and the guard’s decisive response are being widely praised. Eyewitnesses and local officials called both individuals heroes for their bravery under fire .
🔍 Investigation Ongoing
The Wayne Police Department, with assistance from the FBI and Homeland Security, immediately launched a full-scale investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive or released identity details of the suspect. They have asked the public to avoid the church area as detectives continue to gather evidence and review surveillance .
🙏 Community Shock & Solidarity
Local residents and church members are deeply shaken. Many described the ordeal as “the scariest thing I’ve ever been involved in,” recounting moments spent huddled in corners, praying for safety . City officials and community leaders are offering support to those affected and reinforcing the importance of security measures in public spaces.
⏭️ What’s Next
- The security guard is recovering from a gunshot wound—his condition remains stable.
- The suspect’s identity, along with any insight into motive, is expected to be released after formal identification and interviews.
- As authorities continue to investigate, the church plans to reassess and further strengthen its safety protocols.
- In the coming days, community vigils and prayer gatherings are expected at CrossPointe and beyond, uniting the congregation in hope and healing.
In the face of violence, CrossPointe Community Church stands firm—grateful for courageous acts that prevented further tragedy and committed to supporting each other on the path forward.