Hero deacon strikes gunman with truck to prevent church shooting

In the United States, on June 22, a significant incident occurred at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, when Robert Browning, armed with multiple weapons and wearing a tactical vest, approached the building during a Sunday service. At the time, more than 100 congregants were present, many of whom were children attending vacation Bible school. Richard Pryor, a deacon arriving late to the service, witnessed Browning's reckless behavior in the church parking lot. As Browning began firing shots at the church, Pryor made a swift decision to intervene in what he later described as a moment guided by divine intervention. Without a weapon at his disposal, he utilized his 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck to ram the gunman, preventing what could have been a mass shooting and enabling church security staff to respond effectively. Because of Pryor's actions, Browning was ultimately fatally shot by church security personnel. His quick thinking and courage were praised by the local police chief and by Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr., who attributed the outcome to 'divine providence' and hailed Pryor as a hero. The circumstances leading to this event were critical, as Browning was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis prior to the attack. In recognition of Pryor’s bravery, he received a new 2025 Ford F-150 pickup truck from a local dealership, which was meant to replace his damaged truck that absorbed multiple shots during the incident.