Church Staff Kill Gunman To Stop Mass Shooting In Wayne: Police

WAYNE, MI — Staff shot and killed a gunman outside a church that was holding service Sunday morning in Wayne, according to the local police chief, who said quick action "prevented dozens of people from being murdered today."

Police responded shortly after 11 a.m. to multiple 911 calls about an active shooter at CrossPointe Community Church in the 36100 block of Glenwood Road, authorities said.

The gunman had been driving recklessly outside the church, drawing the attention of staff, before he exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest and armed with a long gun and a handgun, approached the church, and opened fire, Wayne police Chief Ryan Strong said at a press conference Sunday published on YouTube by Click On Detroit.

Several staff members approached the gunman and a parishioner hit him with their vehicle as the gunman fired at the vehicle repeatedly, according to Strong, who said at least two staffers shot the gunman. A security guard was shot once in the leg by the gunman and was awaiting surgery Sunday, Strong said, characterizing the gunman as a would-be mass shooter.

"We are greatful for heroic actions of the church's staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting," Strong said.

About 150 people were inside the church at the time of the incident. The church's website says it hosts a worship service on Sundays at 10:45 a.m.

The gunman is a 31-year-old man who had no known connection to the church but appeared to be suffering a mental health crisis, according to Strong, who said police's past interactions with the man had been "quite limited."

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a social media post that bureau "leadership and support teams" were at the scene and helping with the investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.