Security Insights After Church Shooting Attempt in Michigan

Following a serious shooting incident at Crosspoint Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, on Sunday, a security expert shared practical strategies for churches to enhance their safety. Ken Alexandrow, who has a background of over 26 years with the Metro Nashville Police Department and has worked with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, emphasized the importance of proactive measures.

After retiring from the police force, Alexandrow started Agape Tactical, a company focused on security training for churches, schools, and businesses. He believes that even small steps can significantly deter potential threats.

“Creating a welcoming ministry or a parking team to greet attendees is a great start. It fosters community and allows for the identification of unusual behavior,” he noted. This first impression can help prevent dangerous situations before they arise.

Key Strategies for Deterrence

Alexandrow outlined a three-part strategy: “deter, detect, and reject.” He explained that the deterrence phase is about projecting strength and readiness, which can discourage would-be attackers. “When potential threats see visible security presence, they’re likely to think twice,” he stated.

Detection involves utilizing security technology and training individuals to notice anything unusual. “Are there adequate cameras? Are the personnel trained to observe and identify potential issues? These are key factors,” Alexandrow said.

On denial, he mentioned that it’s crucial for church leaders to acknowledge the reality of violence rather than dismiss it. It’s not necessarily about arming everyone, but rather cultivating a culture of safety through readiness and vigilance.

During his training sessions, he’s seen how many feel empowered by understanding security protocols. “I’ve had conversations where churchgoers express gratitude for training opportunities that could enhance not just church safety but also personal safety,” he explained.

Importance of Training and Intuition

Training is essential. Alexandrow stressed that equipping volunteers with the right tools and knowledge can make a significant difference in emergency situations. “Trust your instincts,” he encouraged. If something feels off, it likely is. Alerting someone else can be crucial.

In this recent incident, Alexandrow praised the quick response from the church community, which resulted in the neutralization of the 31-year-old gunman, Brian Anthony Browning, before he could cause severe harm. Local police reported that Browning had been armed with weapons and a large amount of ammunition.

“When staff members reacted and engaged the threat outside the church, it highlighted the effectiveness of a prepared security team,” noted Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong. The swift actions taken by the church’s security team likely prevented a tragic outcome.