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Police Chief Police Chief Ryan Strong
Update: 1:30 p.m. Monday -- Police have identified the shooter at the church as Brian Browning, 31, of Romulus.
Fox 2 reports that police said Browning's mother is a member of CrossPointe Community Church, and he had attended services several times in the past year.
The motive is still unclear, but authorities said it appeared he was dealing with a mental health crisis.
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At least two church security members fatally shot a gunman wearing a tactical vest who stood outside Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne, a suburb in western Wayne County, and opened fire during a special vacation Bible School service Sunday morning. One security staff member was shot and wounded in the leg.
Brian Browning, 31
Police Chief Ryan Strong said at a press conference posted on WXYZ that the gunman, 31, from Romulus, whose identity has not been officially released, appeared to be suffering from a mental health crisis.
"We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church’s staff members who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting," Strong said. "I would add that the church parishioners and staff members were trained in responding to emergency situations."
He said he believed the gunman acted alone.
Strong said police responded to 911 calls regarding an active shooter at the church at 36125 Glenwood Road after 11 a.m.
He said the suspect began driving recklessly, drawing the attention of church staff.
The man exited his vehicle wearing a tactical vest and armed with a long gun and a handgun. He approached the church building and began firing his weapon. Several church staff members approached the gunman, and a parishioner struck him with a vehicle as the gunman fired at it.
Strong said at least two staff members shot the gunman. One of those members was wounded with a shot to the leg.
The shooting, including the motive, is under investigation.
