Police have identified the suspect who was was fatally shot outside CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne on Sunday morning after opening fire near the church’s entrance.
The incident happened around 11:06 a.m. when Wayne Police received multiple 911 calls about a white male suspect wearing camouflage, a tactical vest, and pulling guns out of his vehicle near the church.
According to witnesses, the suspect parked a silver SUV on the west side of the building. A parishioner driving a pickup truck reportedly struck the suspect as he began firing. Church security was alerted and quickly confronted the man outside the main entrance. They locked the church doors and exchanged shots with the suspect. A member of the security team ultimately fatally the suspect, police said in a news release.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene by Wayne Fire Rescue.
One security team member was shot in the leg and taken to a local hospital in stable condition following surgery.
The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Brian Anthony Browning of Romulus. He was armed with an AR-15-style rifle, a semi-automatic handgun, and more than a dozen loaded magazines. Investigators recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Police say Browning had no prior criminal history or known contact with Wayne Police. However, they believe he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis.
Authorities say there is no evidence linking the attack to any international conflict.
A search of Browning’s home revealed additional rifles, handguns, and a large amount of ammunition. Investigators also confirmed the suspect’s mother attends the church, which he had visited a few times in the past year.
