church shooting thwarted by volunteer guard

A volunteer member of a Michigan church’s security team said he acted on instinct when he shot and killed a man who opened fire outside the church on Sunday morning.

According to ABC News, A potential mass shooting was halted June 22 at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, when armed church staff, including volunteer Jay Trombley, stopped a gunman before he could enter the sanctuary and inflict further harm.

The situation unfolded just after services had begun, when 31-year-old Brian Browning arrived in the church parking lot wearing a tactical vest and carrying multiple firearms. Browning stepped out of a Nissan truck armed with both a long gun and a handgun and began firing in the direction of the building.

Gunfire Begins Outside Sunday Service

Witnesses inside the sanctuary initially mistook the sound of gunshots for construction equipment. Some described the loud blasts as resembling a jackhammer, causing confusion as the congregation braced for the unknown.

As the gunfire continued, several members of the church staff moved to intervene. Among them was Jay Trombley, a volunteer on the church security team with no prior law enforcement or military experience. Trombley relied on training and instinct to engage the shooter.

Meanwhile, a churchgoer who was running late for the service noticed the confrontation and acted quickly. Driving a pickup truck, the individual struck Browning in an effort to stop him from approaching the building, an action that slowed the suspect’s advance.

Act Of Intervention Disrupts The Attack

Shortly after the vehicle impact, another churchgoer was shot in the calf by Browning during the confrontation. The injured individual was taken to the hospital and later underwent a successful surgery. Authorities reported that the person is recovering and is expected to be okay.

Trombley, recognizing the threat was not yet over, continued his advance and, using his firearm, engaged Browning. His shots ended the situation, causing fatal injuries to the gunman before more lives could be lost.

“It was muscle memory to go take care of the threat, to protect the family,” Trombley later told an ABC affiliate. Reflecting on his choice to act, he said, “By the grace of God, he missed me… After that, I engaged him and took care of the threat.”

Church And Police Respond To Crisis

Following the incident, Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. acknowledged the timing and actions of those involved as something greater than chance. He called it a moment of “divine providence,” noting that service on that day had been moved indoors due to summer schedules—meaning children were not in the church lobby when shots rang out.

Pastor Kelly also wrestled with his feelings about Browning’s actions, adding that the shooter had a personal history with the church. Browning’s mother was baptized at CrossPointe, and he had attended services there in the past year. “I don't know if it's worse if it's a stranger… or if it's worse when you know the person,” he said.

Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong commended the church team’s response, stating the staff “undoubtedly saved many lives.” He called it a “heroic” act that prevented a larger tragedy, an opinion echoed by many in the community.

Injuries Limited Thanks To Swift Action

Browning is believed to have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the attack. Police stated he did not have a criminal record, and his exact motive remains under investigation.

Officers with the Michigan State Police, bomb squad members, and other agencies responded to the scene. While there were initial concerns about potential explosives, authorities have not confirmed whether any were found.

The Wayne Police Department continues to investigate with assistance from state and federal law enforcement partners. They are working to piece together a full picture of what led up to the attempted attack and what might have prevented it from escalating further.

Volunteer Reflects On Role In Tragedy

Trombley later reflected on the Sunday event and its lasting impact. “I realize what happened yesterday, what my actions did. I will reconcile with the Lord on the time for that. I was protecting his people,” he said.

He added that people must be their own “first responders” in times of crisis, emphasizing individual responsibility in emergency situations. “It doesn't matter if it's someone trying to hurt you, an injury, something—you are your first responder,” he told reporters.

Community members, while shaken by the events, have expressed gratitude for the quick thinking displayed by volunteers and the support from local authorities. The church is receiving aid as it recovers from an event that could have ended much differently.