A Sunday morning service at Crosspointe Church in Wayne, Michigan turned into a terrifying ordeal when an armed suspect opened fire on congregants, leaving one person injured and the shooter dead.
The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. local time. According to the Wayne Police Department, the suspect entered the church during the worship service and began firing. Chaos erupted inside the sanctuary as attendees screamed and scrambled for cover.
A video circulating on social media shows churchgoers ducking behind pews before rushing toward the back of the building. In the footage, a woman can be heard urgently shouting, “Everybody to the back. Please, everybody, come to the back,” as panic swept through the congregation.
The immediate response of church security was credited with preventing a larger tragedy. A security guard on duty drew his weapon and fatally shot the suspect before any more people could be harmed.
One churchgoer was hit during the shooting and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. They were transported to a local hospital and are expected to recover.
Law enforcement quickly arrived at the scene and secured the area. “The Wayne Police Department responded to an active shooter at Crosspointe Church in Wayne this morning,” police officials confirmed.
“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.”
Reports from WXYZ Detroit indicate that before entering the church, the armed suspect was intercepted by someone in a truck who attempted to stop him. It’s unclear whether this act delayed the attacker long enough for security to prepare.
The identity of the shooter has not yet been released, and authorities have not provided information regarding a possible motive. Investigators are working to determine whether the suspect had any ties to the church or acted alone.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined local authorities in the ongoing investigation. “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 in a statement posted to social media.
Crosspointe Church, a Christian congregation in the heart of Wayne, is known for its family-oriented ministry and community involvement. Sunday’s shooting has left many shaken, with church leaders and local officials offering support to those affected.
In a brief message posted online, church leaders expressed heartbreak over the incident. “We are devastated by what occurred this morning and are praying for our entire church family. We thank the brave individuals who acted quickly to protect others and are working with authorities as they continue their investigation.”
Local residents, faith leaders, and elected officials have since offered prayers and support for the victim and the church community. Additional security and counseling services are expected to be made available in the coming days as the congregation begins to process the trauma of the attack.
More details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
