A pastor in Wayne, Michigan, expressed gratitude on Monday for a “hand of God” that seemingly prevented a mass shooting at his church, CrossPointe Community Church, on Sunday. The incident was interrupted when an armed man was hit by a pickup truck driven by a church member before he could enter the building where over 100 congregants were present.
Pastor Bobby Kelly praised the swift actions of the church’s security team, which has been established for more than a decade as a proactive measure against potential violence. He shared that he had previously encountered the assailant, identified as 31-year-old Brian Browning, on three occasions. Kelly described Browning as someone who might have been experiencing a mental health crisis, mentioning that they had discussions concerning Browning’s belief he was receiving messages from God.
The tense situation unfolded while children from the church’s vacation Bible school were leading worship, concluding a song just as gunfire erupted outside. Initially, Kelly mistook the sound for a construction project, only to be informed by a member of the security team that a shooter was near. Video footage showed congregants evacuating and guiding children to safety amid chaos.
The gunman began firing upon arriving at the church parking lot, resulting in one injury to a congregant’s leg. Browning was confronted by security staff who responded with gunfire after being struck by the pickup truck, which reportedly took a heroic course of action upon witnessing Browning’s reckless approach.
Despite having no prior records with law enforcement, Browning had rifles, handguns, and a large cache of ammunition found at his home. This raises questions about how communities can better address mental health crises and potentially prevent similar situations in the future.
Church members expressed deep concern for Browning’s mother, who was not present at the service but occasionally attended church. Pastor Kelly reached out to console her during this tragic time, emphasizing the support offered by the church community amid the chaos.
Reflecting on the incident, Kelly acknowledged the presence of security personnel before he arrived in 2016, a practice that had been reinforced in response to other violent acts nationwide. He noted that while many attendees may not be aware of the security measures in place, they are trained professionals prepared for emergencies.
The pastor had planned to preach on divine protection on that very Sunday and remarked on the fortunate circumstances which kept everyone safe. His concluding thought underscored a powerful message of hope: “We were definitely protected by the hand of God, there is no question about it.”
This incident highlights the importance of proactive safety measures in places of worship and the impact of community support during times of crisis.