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A peaceful Sunday service turned into a terrifying scene at CrossPointe Church in Wayne, Michigan, when a gunman stormed the sanctuary and opened fire—only to be shot dead moments later by an armed member of the congregation.
The shocking incident happened around 11:15 a.m., roughly half an hour into the morning worship, with dozens of families, including children attending vacation Bible school, present. According to local authorities, the attacker—a 31-year-old white male—drove a Ford F-150 directly into the church building before emerging with a firearm and firing indiscriminately at churchgoers.
One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the chaos. Thankfully, the attacker was swiftly neutralized by a member of the church’s volunteer security team, who was legally armed and attending the service. Law enforcement officials praised the quick action that prevented what could have turned into a mass casualty event.
So far, the suspect’s identity has not been released, and authorities say they are still investigating the motive behind the violent act. No manifesto or known affiliations have been reported as of Monday morning, and officials are combing through surveillance footage, the suspect’s vehicle, and digital devices to determine whether this was an isolated event or part of a broader threat.
Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene within minutes, securing the perimeter and evacuating the congregation to safety. Emergency responders treated the injured victim on-site before transporting them to a nearby hospital.
Pastor Jim Rutherford, who was leading the service when the attack began, called the incident “an unimaginable act of violence” but credited the church’s internal security measures with preventing a greater tragedy. “We pray for the person who was injured and for everyone who witnessed this horror,” he said. “But I thank God for the brave member of our church who stepped in to protect us all.”
In recent years, churches and places of worship across the United States have increased security measures in response to a growing number of threats and violent incidents. CrossPointe Church had reportedly implemented active shooter protocols, including trained volunteer security staff, following the 2017 Texas church massacre.
The FBI and local law enforcement are continuing their joint investigation. Officials are urging the public to avoid spreading speculation or misinformation online until more details are confirmed.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
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James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
