As shots rang out at a Sunday service in Wayne, Michigan, one man’s quick action turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of courage and grace.

According to The Christian Post, Deacon Richard Pryor of CrossPointe Community Church used his truck to stop an armed man attempting a mass shooting on June 22, an act that led to an outpouring of community support and a surprise gift of a new vehicle.

Just after 11 a.m. on June 22, a man later identified as 31-year-old Brian Browning was observed driving erratically near CrossPointe Community Church. He parked on the church’s west side before getting out of his silver SUV, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, 500 rounds of ammunition, and wearing camouflage gear along with a tactical vest.

Moments after he exited the vehicle, Browning began firing shots toward the church entrance as worshippers gathered inside. Chaos quickly unfolded, with services suddenly interrupted by the unexpected gunfire. People inside scrambled for safety as the threat unfolded outside their doors.

Richard Pryor, a deacon at the church, arrived late to the service. As he pulled up to the parking lot, he saw a gunman in fatigues pulling a weapon from the trunk of his vehicle and firing at the building.

Deacon’s Quick Thinking Changes Course of Attack

Despite having no weapon and facing immediate danger, Pryor used his truck as a last resort. He drove straight at Browning, striking him and diverting his attention. The distraction allowed church security enough time to intervene.

Though Browning fired a shot through the truck and engaged in a short exchange with Pryor, the security team was able to fatally shoot the attacker. In the process, they successfully protected those still inside and ushered them to safety.

Pryor’s truck was destroyed in the incident, taking a bullet and bearing the brunt of the collision. However, his quick response is widely credited with preventing a mass casualty situation. In the days that followed, the community showered him with gratitude.

Community and Local Business Step In

On July 10, just a couple of weeks after the attack, Jack Demmer Ford—located less than two miles from the church—surprised Pryor with a new 2025 F-150 PowerBoost. The vehicle was offered on a two-year lease at no cost in recognition of his heroic efforts.

Matthew Demmer, the dealership's general manager, said Pryor seemed almost hesitant to accept the gift, overwhelmed by the gesture. “He was incredibly grateful,” Demmer said, remarking on Pryor’s humility. “He almost felt as if he didn’t deserve it, which is absolutely not the case.”

Pryor expressed his thanks during the presentation of the vehicle. “I can’t be more than thankful enough,” he told local news, adding that divine intervention played a role in how the incident unfolded and the gratitude shown since. “I just can’t be more appreciative,” he said.

GoFundMe Raises Thousands for Deacon

In the wake of the shooting and the damage to Pryor’s vehicle, supporters quickly rallied to raise funds through a GoFundMe campaign. Over $47,000 was donated to help him replace his totaled truck and to support him during the recovery period.

In a heartfelt public message on June 30, Pryor thanked contributors for their generosity. He spoke about the personal transformation brought on by the love and appreciation he had received in the days after the attack. “The incident that led to my truck being destroyed has changed me,” he said.

“But the level of love and gratitude I have experienced since has changed me so much more,” said Pryor. He invited donors to introduce themselves if they ever meet in person, saying he hoped to express his thanks directly.

Pryor Reflects on Turning Point

Pryor was the first person to lay eyes on Browning as he prepared to approach the church. “As soon as he got out of the vehicle, I saw the fatigues, I saw the gun on his hip,” Pryor recalled. “He pulled the weapon out of his vehicle.”

The deacon described how in the moments that followed, he had to act immediately. “He shot a round through the truck,” Pryor said. “And in those few seconds, I realized the truck was dead and I didn’t have a weapon on me.”

Despite being outgunned and without backup, Pryor relied on instinct to stop the attacker however he could. His actions delayed the shooter enough to allow others to respond and prevent what could have been a devastating loss of life.