Church Heroes Stop Gunman In Daring Act Of Bravery
Two members of CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, are being hailed as heroes after stopping a man who attempted a mass shooting during a Sunday service. Deacon Richard Pryor and church security team member Ron Amann intervened when 31-year-old Brian Browning approached the church armed with an AR-15-style rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Browning opened fire outside the church before being struck by Pryor’s vehicle and later shot by another security team member, Jay Trombley.
Pryor acted quickly when he spotted the armed suspect heading toward the church, using his truck to run Browning over and buy time for the security team to respond. His vehicle was riddled with bullets and destroyed. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Pryor has raised over $24,000 to help replace his vehicle and support his family. Meanwhile, Amann, who was shot in the leg during the incident and required surgery, has received more than $38,000 in donations to support his recovery.
Amann recalled hearing gunfire before being alerted by someone rushing into the sanctuary. He helped guide his family to safety before engaging with the shooter, who opened fire through the glass lobby, hitting Amann in the leg. Amann had attended firearm training just days earlier, and despite the chaos, he joined the response to protect his fellow congregants.
According to police, Browning had been acting erratically and was wearing camouflage and a tactical vest. He had also previously engaged in a theological debate with the church’s pastor, Bobby Kelly Jr., claiming to be a prophet. Though the pastor had once offered help to Browning, he never suspected the man would resort to violence.
Despite the praise he’s received, Pryor remains humble, according to fellow church member Dustin Fuoco, who said Pryor is deflecting attention and crediting God for the outcome. The church and community continue to recover, uplifted by the bravery of those who acted quickly to prevent what could have been a devastating tragedy.