Gunman Killed After Church Shooting; Police Praise Staff Response
A gunman was shot and killed Sunday morning after opening fire during a church service at Crosspointe Church in Wayne, Michigan, leaving one person injured and prompting praise from police for the swift and heroic response of trained church staff.
“The Wayne Police Department responded to an active shooter at Crosspointe Church in Wayne this morning,” the department said in a statement. “Upon arrival, officers determined that a security guard for the church shot and killed the suspect. One victim was shot in the leg. Please avoid the area. Officers are still actively investigating.”
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Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong confirmed during a news conference that the suspect was a 31-year-old white male from Romulus, Michigan, who was carrying both “a long gun and handgun” and dressed in tactical gear. “His motivations are unknown, but at this point it appears he was suffering from a mental health crisis,” Strong said.
Strong noted that the gunman had minimal prior interaction with law enforcement. “Our interactions with him in the past were quite limited. Like nothing of note,” he said.
One church staff member was shot once in the leg around 11:45 a.m. local time. The gunman was confronted outside the church by staff and a parishioner, who struck him with a vehicle while the attacker returned fire. “Several staff members from the church approached the gunman. A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman shot the vehicle repeatedly,” Strong said.
At least two staff members fired on the suspect, delivering fatal shots. “We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large scale mass shooting,” Strong said. “I would add that the church parishioners and staff members were trained in responding to emergency situations, which also saved lives.”
The FBI is monitoring the incident. “Our leadership and support teams are on the ground, at the scene, in Wayne, Michigan providing assistance and investigative support,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd issued a nationwide warning in response to the shooting. “This morning’s active shooter at a church in Wayne, Michigan reminds us that all of our houses of worship must have a safety and security plan to immediately respond to an active shooter,” he posted on X. “An active shooter can happen anywhere, and churches, synagogues, and mosques need to take steps to prepare for such a scenario.”
He continued, “We urge congregants: If you see something, or hear something suspicious, then say something. Talk to house of worship leadership and security and notify your local law enforcement agency immediately.”
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As the Crosspointe community recovers from this traumatic event, Christians everywhere are reminded that persecution and attacks are not unexpected. Jesus Himself warned His followers: “You will be hated by all men for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:22). John 15:18-19 affirms this truth: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.”
As believers prepare spiritually and practically for uncertain days, they must also stand firm in faith, knowing that the name of Jesus is offensive to a world in rebellion.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
