WAYNE, Mich. – New details are emerging after an attempted mass shooting at CrossPointe Community Church was stopped Sunday, thanks to the swift response of trained security guards and a quick-thinking church member.
“He got within less than five feet of that church with a rifle and a handgun,” said Jim Makowski, an attorney for one of the security guards involved in the incident. “Between 60 and 90 rounds were fired into the church.”
The incident highlights growing security concerns at places of worship across the nation.
Lead pastor Bobby Kelly said CrossPointe Community Church implemented its security team more than 10 years ago, consisting entirely of church members.
Armed guards carry a concealed pistol license and complete training, including active shooter response drills.
“Having this team certainly saved lives, and that’s proof that it’s important to at least think about that and have some things in place,” Kelly said.
The security guards involved received specialized training from the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which offers programs specifically designed for protecting places of worship.
“I was very encouraged to hear that both of these heroes were members of the USCCA and recently attended one of our training classes,” said Rob Chadwick, the USCCA head of personal and public safety.
The USCCA offers free training to both armed and unarmed security personnel. Chadwick said that with religious institutions facing increased security challenges, many congregations are prioritizing safety measures and emergency response planning.
“We’re seeing many houses of worship -churches, synagogues, mosques, all concerned about protecting their parishioners,” Chadwick said. “Rightly so - we have seen a recent uptick in the tempo and frequency of these attacks.”
A fundraiser has been started for the church member who helped stop the gunman with his car, which was totaled in the gunfire.