Shooter Opens Fire Outside Church
A potential tragedy was narrowly averted Sunday morning when an armed assailant opened fire outside a church in Wayne, Michigan. According to officials, the incident unfolded in the parking lot of CrossPointe Community Church, located near the intersection of Annapolis and Venoy Roads, just as the congregation was gathering for the late-morning service.
The Wayne Police Department confirmed that they received multiple 911 calls around 11:15 a.m., reporting gunshots being fired in the church parking lot. Officers were dispatched immediately to the scene and arrived within minutes. By the time law enforcement arrived, the shooter had already been fatally shot by a private security guard employed by the church.
“We received several calls describing a man with a firearm, actively shooting outside the church,” said Wayne Police Chief Ryan Smith at a press briefing. “Upon arrival, we confirmed that a licensed and armed security officer working for the church had engaged the suspect and neutralized the threat. Tragically, the suspect is deceased. No additional injuries have been reported.”
What We Know About the Incident
Initial reports suggest the suspect, described as a male in his 30s or 40s, arrived on foot and began firing into the air and toward the church building from the parking lot, causing panic among congregants. Several bystanders sought cover behind parked vehicles and rushed into the church building for safety. A church security guard, stationed near the entrance, reportedly gave the suspect verbal commands to drop his weapon before opening fire when the suspect refused to comply and raised his weapon again.
“He was shouting something, but I couldn’t make it out,” said James Fields, a churchgoer who witnessed part of the incident. “I heard three loud bangs and then someone yelling, ‘Get down!’ I didn’t know what was going on until we were told to take cover.”
The security guard, whose name has not been released, is believed to have military or law enforcement background, according to sources familiar with the church’s volunteer security team. Authorities said the guard is cooperating fully with investigators and has been placed on administrative leave pending a full review, which is standard protocol in such cases.
Community in Shock, but Grateful
Pastor Greg Allen, the church’s longtime leader, addressed his congregation and the media later that afternoon. “This is every pastor’s worst nightmare,” he said. “But I am profoundly grateful for the protection our security team provided today. They saved lives. We are heartbroken by the violence, but today, we’re also thankful that this did not become something far worse.”
The church canceled the remainder of Sunday’s services and events, and grief counselors were made available for members of the congregation. Local pastors and community leaders from other churches in Wayne and neighboring towns expressed support, with several offering assistance in the days to come.
“This is a deeply unsettling event for our community,” said Wayne Mayor Susan Rowe, who visited the scene. “Places of worship should be sanctuaries, and it’s heartbreaking that churches need to consider the possibility of violence. We stand with CrossPointe today and in the days ahead.”
Ongoing Investigation
The identity of the suspect has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Police say the man was not known to the church, and there is no indication he had any prior connection to the congregation. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from both the church and nearby businesses to piece together a timeline and determine the motive.
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have joined the investigation. According to sources, the suspect was carrying a semi-automatic handgun and had additional ammunition on him. It’s unclear at this time whether he had a valid firearms license.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of mental illness or ideological motivations. “At this time, we are not releasing details regarding the suspect’s identity, mental state, or background,” said Chief Smith. “But we can confirm that there is no ongoing threat to the community, and we believe this individual acted alone.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
Churches Increasingly Targeted
This incident is part of a troubling trend of violence at religious institutions across the U.S. In recent years, churches, synagogues, and mosques have all experienced targeted attacks, prompting many to enhance their security protocols. CrossPointe Community Church had instituted regular security measures following mass shootings at houses of worship in Texas, California, and South Carolina.
“This is the reality now,” said Rev. Angela Whitmore, a local faith leader. “We are grateful that someone was there to stop the shooter, but it shouldn’t have to be this way. Faith communities deserve to feel safe.”
What Happens Next
CrossPointe leaders say the church will remain closed for at least the next several days while police continue their investigation. Special services are being planned for next weekend, focused on healing, prayer, and resilience. Local police say an increased presence will be maintained at places of worship throughout Wayne in the near future out of an abundance of caution.
“This could have ended so much worse,” said Pastor Allen. “Today we mourn, we reflect, and we give thanks to God for sparing us.”
Police plan to release further updates as their investigation progresses.
