A promising military cadet's dramatic fall from grace ended in tragedy Sunday when Brian Anthony Browning, 31, was killed by security guards after opening fire at CrossPointe Church in Wayne, Michigan. The former ROTC commander, who was once nominated for West Point, had posted ominous messages about the church on social media in recent weeks.
According to the Daily Mail, Browning crashed his Ford F-150 truck into the church building before unleashing gunfire with an AR-15 style rifle during the Sunday morning service, sending terrified congregants fleeing for safety.
The incident has left the Wayne community reeling as they try to understand how a once-exemplary student and military prospect could turn to violence. Browning graduated as valedictorian from Wayne Memorial High School in 2012, where he commanded the school's ROTC program and received a coveted West Point nomination from Senator Debbie Stabenow.
Those who knew Browning during his high school years described him as disciplined, intelligent and destined for success. One former ROTC cadet recalled him as "fit, confident, honestly seemed like a really well put together guy" who served as a mentor to younger students.
The same classmate noted a stark transformation after graduation, saying Browning became "a completely different person." Another former peer revealed that Browning had cut off most social connections after college and became reclusive.
Multiple classmates expressed shock at his violent actions, with one noting that "he was very normal in high school" and popular among his peers. His dramatic shift from promising military candidate to armed assailant has left many questioning what went wrong.
Just four weeks before the shooting, Browning made concerning posts about CrossPointe Church on Facebook. He shared a screenshot showing the church's service alongside a video titled "The Biggest Liar Cheapskate!" with the caption "Sometimes God will very 'subtly' show you the signs."
Two days later, Browning made an even more troubling post, appearing to blame the church for his friend Tyler Piner's death, writing, "You have not only lied to men, but have lied unto the Spirit of the Lord. His blood is on your hands CrossPointe Community Church."
Police confirmed that Browning's mother was a church member and he had attended services "two or three times over the course of the last year." The exact connection between Browning, Piner, and the church remains unclear.
The church's security team responded quickly when Browning began his attack at 11:06 AM. One guard was shot twice in the leg but managed to engage the shooter outside the main entrance.
Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong praised the "heroic actions of the church's staff members, who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting." Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. revealed that a church member had run over the shooter with their vehicle.
According to police, Browning was heavily armed with an AR-15 style rifle, multiple magazines, a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. A subsequent search of his home uncovered additional firearms and ammunition.
The Wayne Police Department indicated Browning "may have been suffering a mental health crisis" at the time of the attack, though they found no connection to organized terrorism. Despite his concerning social media posts, Browning had no prior criminal history or contact with law enforcement.
The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the full scope of events that led a once-promising military candidate to target a house of worship. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about mental health support and crisis intervention.
The tragic shooting has left the CrossPointe Church community shaken but grateful for their security team's quick response. Pastor Kelly noted there were approximately 150 people, including many children, present for the vacation Bible school service when the attack occurred.
