Richard Pryor, a deacon at CrossPointe Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, didn’t hesitate on that hot June day. His efforts were instrumental in stopping a possible mass shooting. The tragedy played out roughly 25 miles west of Detroit. Brian Anthony Browning, clad in tactical gear and armed with a handgun and AR-15 style rifle, recklessly crashed into the church’s parking lot. With over 100 congregants in, including children in Bible school, the incident turned into a horrific and potentially deadly explosion.
When Pryor finally pulled into the church late, he witnessed Browning’s dangerous driving first hand. This lack of accountability continued when Browning stepped out of his vehicle and fired indiscriminately, injuring a bystander in the leg. At the same time, Pryor only had a split-second to decide. Taking aim with his 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck, he rammed the attacker. This occurred right as Browning was advancing on the church doors.
The timely intervention by Pryor proved pivotal. Bobby Kelly, a member of the church’s security team, noted, “He hit this individual … and that certainly helped the team to be able to respond.”
After Pryor’s intervention, at least two additional armed security detail members arrived on scene and shot Browning, killing him. Tragically, Pryor paid the ultimate price while serving and defending his community from great danger. In the melee, a dozen rounds hit his vehicle.
Investigators later stated that Browning was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the attack. Fortunately, Pryor’s prompt actions avoided what might have been a devastating outcome for the church members.
In looking back on the incident, Pryor realized that most of the congregants didn’t know what danger was developing overhead. Many Americans did not witness firsthand what transpired, and weren’t familiar with the issues at stake,” he said. He further shared his hopefulness that none of the congregants will have permanently disabling injuries. Trauma is trauma, but fortunately ours is not trauma over loss of life,” Pryor continued.
Matthew Demmer, owner of the Jack Demmer Ford dealership, made sure to honor Pryor’s heroics by giving him a free two-year lease for a new 2025 F-150. This incredible truck is worth $70k. Pryor took delivery of the new truck on July 10 and was overwhelmed by the unexpected donation. “And I’m so grateful—I’m just very thankful,” he added.
Matthew Demmer, who recorded video of the incident, pointed to the incident’s severity. As one official put it, “It should have been a heck of a lot worse.” His remarks speak to the community’s sentiment about what was an all too close call with a terrible tragedy.
Richard Pryor’s instinct and bravery likely saved several lives on that day. Though tragic, his actions served to underscore how vigilance plays a critical role in protecting our communities. His actions should remind all of us that while we’re each just one person, we can still become extraordinary contributors during a crisis.