Wayne, Michigan — Authorities Identify Brian Browning as Suspect in Attempted Mass Shooting at CrossPointe Community Church
Wayne, MI – June 22, 2025 — Authorities have identified the suspect in Sunday morning’s attempted mass shooting at CrossPointe Community Church as 31-year-old Brian Browning of Romulus, Michigan. The deeply disturbing incident unfolded just after 10:00 a.m. during morning worship services, shaking the congregation and sending shockwaves through the Wayne community.
According to the Wayne Police Department and eyewitness accounts, Browning approached the church while wearing tactical military-style gear and carrying multiple firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun. He was spotted by church security before entering the sanctuary and was fatally shot by an armed security volunteer on duty, preventing what could have been a devastating massacre.
A Sunday Morning Turned Nightmare
The incident began as parishioners were gathered for Sunday worship in the sanctuary of CrossPointe Community Church, a congregation that typically welcomes several hundred attendees every weekend. Witnesses described a calm, peaceful service that was suddenly disrupted by chaos and panic when word spread that an armed individual was approaching the building.
Security footage and initial reports indicate that Browning parked a vehicle near the entrance and began moving toward the building while donning a bulletproof vest and tactical accessories. Congregants who were outside or near the foyer raised alarms, prompting a swift response from church security personnel—some of whom were former law enforcement officers and military veterans.
According to police, the volunteer guard engaged Browning outside the entrance, confronting him just seconds before he could reach the main worship hall. A brief exchange of gunfire ensued, during which the security guard fatally shot the suspect, neutralizing the threat. No other injuries were reported, although many in the church were treated for anxiety, trauma, and minor scrapes sustained during the emergency evacuation.
Authorities: A Mass Casualty Event Was Averted
Police Chief Daniel White spoke during a press conference Sunday afternoon and praised the swift, brave actions of the church’s security team:
“There is no question in our minds that this was an attempted mass shooting. The suspect was heavily armed, outfitted for violence, and approached a full house of unarmed civilians during worship. Were it not for the quick, decisive actions of an armed church member, we could be facing a tragedy of unthinkable scale.”
Chief White confirmed that Browning had multiple firearms, extra magazines, and what appeared to be homemade explosive components in his vehicle. A thorough search was conducted by the Wayne Bomb Squad, and although no active explosives were found inside the church or on Browning’s person, law enforcement is treating the discovery as part of an active domestic terrorism investigation.
A Troubled Suspect with a Dark Online Presence
Preliminary background checks have revealed that Brian Browning was a resident of Romulus, MI, with a limited criminal history but growing online activity suggesting a fascination with violence and anti-government sentiment. According to officials, Browning had posted cryptic messages and photos in the days leading up to the incident, including a chilling image shared to social media just hours before the attack, showing him in tactical gear outside a building believed to be the church.
The FBI and Michigan State Police have joined the investigation and are now examining Browning’s digital footprint, including social media accounts, computer data, and phone records. Investigators are also working to determine whether Browning acted alone or had ties to extremist organizations.
Community Reaction and Renewed Calls for Vigilance
The attempted attack has shaken Wayne’s faith community and sparked renewed conversations across the state and country about security at houses of worship. CrossPointe Community Church released a statement Sunday evening, thanking law enforcement and first responders while calling for unity and healing.
“We are deeply grateful to the brave individuals who acted without hesitation to protect our church family. We mourn the trauma this has caused and thank God that lives were spared. We continue to pray for our community, and for every church that gathers in peace and hope.”
Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County, Florida, also addressed the event during a national broadcast, using the attack as an urgent reminder:
“This is why every church, mosque, synagogue—every house of worship—must have a plan. Evil will try to find us, but it is our job to be ready.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet released a clear motive, though mental health and ideological extremism are being explored as potential factors. Police confirmed they are executing search warrants at Browning’s home and vehicle, and further forensic analysis is underway.
Anyone with information related to Brian Browning’s recent activities is urged to contact the Wayne Police Department or the FBI Detroit Field Office.
In the meantime, CrossPointe Community Church has canceled all in-person services and activities for the week and will resume gatherings only after a full security assessment is complete.
While the community is left rattled and processing what might have been, there is widespread acknowledgment that countless lives were saved on Sunday—thanks to vigilance, training, and the courage of one person who stepped forward when it mattered most.