Authorities have now confirmed the identity of the Michigan Church shooter as 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning of Romulus, Michigan.
Browning showed up outside CrossPointe Community Church wearing a tactical vest and carrying an AR-15-style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and several magazines loaded with hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Authorities have now identified the gunman as 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning of Romulus, Michigan. Browning showed up outside CrossPointe Community Church wearing a tactical vest and carrying an AR-15-style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and several magazines loaded with hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The gunmen who opened fire outside of CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan has been identified as Brian Anthony Browning.
— The Triune Times (@TriuneTimes) June 23, 2025
Wayne County Police department released the following mugshot pic.twitter.com/HZipUmPLER
According to Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong, the incident unfolded during a Sunday morning Bible school service attended by about 150 people, including children. Browning was first spotted driving erratically through the church parking lot. Concerned parishioners noticed his suspicious behavior and took immediate action when he stepped out of the car visibly armed.
In a press conference, Chief Strong revealed, “A parishioner struck the gunman with his vehicle as the gunman began opening fire.” Despite being hit, Browning managed to shoot at the car before being engaged by armed church staff.
“At least two church staff members—legally armed—returned fire and fatally wounded the suspect,” Strong confirmed.
This act of bravery likely saved dozens of lives. The suspect was neutralized on church grounds before he could set foot inside the building.
Photos released by the Wayne County Police show Browning, who had no previous criminal record and reportedly attended the church two or three times in the past year with his mother, who is a member of the congregation.
According to police, Browning was carrying an AR-style rifle with over a dozen loaded magazines, a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, and “hundreds of rounds” of ammunition. Investigators say it appears he was experiencing a mental health crisis, though they stopped short of confirming a motive.
Authorities were quick to clarify there was no evidence linking the shooting to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Initial online speculation had suggested a possible act of foreign-inspired terrorism due to the weaponry and tactical gear, but police say all indications point to a domestic, lone-wolf incident.
Vice President JD Vance has previously warned about increasing mental health issues and the dangerous trend of disarming law-abiding citizens while violent individuals continue to slip through the cracks. Sunday’s incident highlights just how critical the Second Amendment is—because when seconds count, the armed citizen is the first line of defense.
Thanks to the bravery and preparedness of those inside CrossPointe Community Church, a tragedy was averted—and a strong message was sent: Americans will not sit helplessly in the face of evil.