Gunman opens fire on Michigan church and is fatally shot by staff members, police say
The shooting at CrossPointe Community Church left one church staff member with a gunshot wound in a leg. PHOTO: AFP
Gunman opens fire on Michigan church and is fatally shot by staff members, police say
MICHIGAN - A man clad in a tactical vest and carrying a long gun and handgun opened fire on a Michigan church filled with children attending vacation bible school on June 22 before being fatally shot by two members of the church's staff, officials said.
The shooting, which was reported a little after 11 am at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, about 40.2km west of Detroit, left one church staff member with a gunshot wound in a leg, Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong said at a news conference on the night of June 22 .
Mr Strong said the staff member who was shot had injuries that were not life-threatening.
Mr Strong credited the emergency training of staff and parishioners for swiftly responding to the threat.
'We are grateful for the heroic actions of the church's staff members who undoubtedly saved many lives and prevented a large-scale mass shooting,' Mr Strong said.
The gunman was not publicly identified but Mr Strong said he was a 31-year-old man from Romulus, Michigan. Mr Strong said the man's motives for the attack were not known but added that he appeared to be in a mental health crisis.
Mr Strong said police interactions with the man in the past had been limited and were 'nothing of note.' The police were unaware of any connection the man had to the church, he added.
The episode began when the man drove recklessly near the church, drawing the attention of staff members who were outside.
The gunman exited the vehicle, began shouting and start ed firing at the church building. Mr Strong said one of the church employees struck him with a vehicle, as the gunman fired repeatedly at it.
The shooter was not able to enter the church, Mr Strong said, but he described the man as being 'quite close.'
Two church employees opened fire at the man, killing him.
Mr Andy Pugh, one of pastors at the church, said that he was unaware of any threats to the church leading up to the shooting. He said the stage was full of children at the time of the attack because the church was hosting its Vacation Bible School.
'Thankfully we were able to get everyone out,' he said. NYTIMES
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