Michigan Church Shooting: Minister & Security Guard Stop Gunman
- A security guard shot and killed a gunman at Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, on Sunday morning, averting what could have been a mass shooting.
- Upon arrival, officers discovered that the security guard had neutralized the suspect, identified as a 31-year-old man.
- According to Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr., a deacon played a crucial role by running the shooter over with his Ford F-150.
A security guard fatally shot a gunman at a Michigan church, preventing further casualties. Learn about the heroic actions and the community’s response.
Security Guard Kills Gunman at Michigan Church, Preventing Mass Shooting
Updated June 23, 2025
A security guard shot and killed a gunman at Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, on Sunday morning, averting what could have been a mass shooting. The Wayne Police Department responded to reports of an active shooter at the church shortly after 11 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that the security guard had neutralized the suspect, identified as a 31-year-old man. Another security guard sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the incident. Police confirmed that the gunman fired multiple shots inside the church.
According to Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr., a deacon played a crucial role by running the shooter over with his Ford F-150. This action created an opportunity for the security guard to engage the armed attacker outside the church, Kelly told the Detroit News.
“He was run over by one of our members who saw this happening when he was coming into church,” Kelly stated.
During an evening press conference, police revealed that the suspect’s suspicious driving had alerted church staff.He exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest, armed with both a long gun and a handgun. As he approached the church, he began firing.
Staff members confronted the gunman before the deacon struck him with his vehicle, which the suspect then shot at repeatedly.At least two staff members then shot the gunman, inflicting fatal injuries. The staff members have requested anonymity.
Authorities emphasized that the actions of the church staff “prevented dozens of people from being murdered today.” The shooter’s identity remains undisclosed, and Pastor Kelly confirmed he was not a member of the congregation.
Video footage from the church’s YouTube livestream captured the congregation’s reaction to the active shooter. As the service concluded, shouts were heard off-screen, prompting people to duck behind chairs and flee the room.
A church official directed people to the back of the room, yelling, “Everybody to the back, please, everybody come to the back.” A sound resembling a gunshot followed, and the audio was cut off as people continued to evacuate.
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Pastor Kelly noted that approximately 150 people were attending a special vacation Bible school service, resulting in a higher-than-usual number of children present. The church has maintained on-site security for about a decade in response to violence at other places of worship, despite never receiving any direct threats.
“We are sitting ducks to someone who wants to come and do harm,” Kelly lamented.
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.”
Michigan State Senator Darrin Camilleri released a statement saying, “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 today.”
He added, “I will be keeping the entire CrossPointe Church family in my thoughts as they continue to process this tragedy. I’ve been in contact with Mayor Rhaesa and will continue to be available to assist as the investigation continues.”
What’s next
The investigation into the Michigan church shooting is ongoing. Authorities will likely focus on determining the gunman’s motives and background. The community now begins the process of healing and recovery,while also grappling with questions about security at places of worship. Expect continued discussion about active shooter preparedness and response in religious institutions.