Additional Coverage:
A potential mass shooting was averted at a Michigan church Sunday morning thanks to the swift actions of a parishioner and church security. A man opened fire outside CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, wounding one person in the leg, before being hit by a vehicle and fatally shot by church security.
According to Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong, the incident unfolded around 11 a.m. during Sunday services. A man described as behaving erratically exited his vehicle armed with a rifle and handgun, and wearing a tactical vest. He began firing towards the church as he approached.
One churchgoer reacted quickly, striking the gunman with his vehicle. At the same time, at least two armed church security members engaged the shooter, fatally wounding him.
Police have identified the suspect as a 31-year-old white male with no apparent connection to the church. While the motive remains under investigation, Chief Strong indicated the suspect may have been experiencing a mental health crisis.
The individual shot in the leg suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported. Approximately 150 people were inside the church at the time of the shooting.
Chief Strong praised the heroic actions of both the parishioner who struck the gunman with his vehicle and the church security team, crediting them with preventing a tragedy. The FBI is assisting local authorities with the investigation.