After opening a fire during a church service at Crosspoint Church in Wayne, Michigan, a gunman was shot dead and killed, one person injured, and urged praise from police for the prompt and heroic response of trained church staff.
“The Wayne Police Department responded to an active shooter at Crosspoint Church in Wayne this morning,” the department said in a statement. “On arrival, officers determined that a church guard had shot the suspect. One victim was shot in the leg. Avoid the area. Officers are still actively investigating.”
Breaking news. A story full of spirit. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube!
Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong confirmed at a press conference that the suspect is a 31-year-old white man from Romulus, Michigan, carrying both a “long gun and a handgun” and wearing tactical equipment. “His motivation is unknown, but at this point he appears to be struggling with a mental health crisis,” Strong said.
Strong noted that gunmen had minimal prior interactions with law enforcement. “Our interactions with him in the past have been very limited. Nothing is worth noting,” he said.
A church staff member was shot once in the foot at about 11:45am local time. The gunman was confronted outside the church by staff and parishioners while the attackers returned the fire. “Several staff members from the church approached the gunman. When gunmen repeatedly shot the car, parishioners attacked the gunman with his car,” Strong said.
At least two staff members fired the suspects and delivered a fatal shot. “We are grateful for the heroic actions of church staff that saved so many lives and prevented mass shootings,” Strong said. “I add that parishioners and staff at the church were trained to respond to emergencies.
The FBI is monitoring incidents. “Our leadership and support team provides support and research assistance on the ground in Wayne, Michigan,” said Dan Bongino, Deputy FBI Director.
Get our free charisma newsletter today! Stay up to date with current issues, Holy Spirit News, Christian teachings, charismatic videos and more!
Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd issued a nationwide warning in response to the shooting. “Active shooters at a church in Wayne, Michigan this morning remind us that all of our places of worship need to have a safety and security plan to respond immediately to active shooters,” he posted on X.
He continued, “We encourage the congregation. See something, hear something suspicious, say something. Talk to worship leadership and security and notify local law enforcement immediately.”
Join Charisma Magazine Online and follow everything the Holy Spirit does all over the world!
As the crosspoint community recovers from this traumatic event, Christians everywhere remind us that persecution and attack are not unexpected. Jesus himself warned his followers: “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). John 15:18-19 asserts this truth: “If the world hates you, then you know that it hated me before it hated you.”
They must also endure faith firmly, knowing that Jesus’ name is offensive to the world of rebellion, as believers prepare spiritually for days that are actually uncertain.
James Rusher is a staff writer for Charismatic Media.
