Buckeye Reporter

Just over an hour from Lansing, Michigan, an armed attack at a church in Wayne was thwarted by armed parishioners. As lawmakers worked on gun control measures, including expanding "gun-free" zones, the incident underscored debates on self-protection rights.

In mid-June, as 150 parishioners gathered for service, an attacker with multiple firearms and ammunition approached the church. A late-arriving parishioner initially slowed him down by hitting him with a truck. The attacker fired toward the church but was met by armed members of the congregation who eventually killed him.

Jay Trombley, one of those responsible for stopping the attack, told WXYZ-Detroit that he is part of a church-created security team made up of citizens who carry firearms for self-defense. Trombley emphasized: “You are your own first responder. You are the first person on scene.”

One responding member was seriously injured in his leg during the confrontation. This group had been training for such scenarios for over a decade and had recently attended training at Peacemakers Gun Range.

This incident adds to other cases where armed citizens have stopped attacks at places of worship. In Texas, Jack Wilson and Stephen Willeford were noted for stopping gunmen during services.

Studies show defensive gun uses occur frequently in the United States each year. Critics label defensive gun use as a myth while supporting restrictive firearm proposals aimed at saving lives.

Michigan's legislature is discussing gun control but not laws governing carry at churches. Currently, concealed carry is prohibited unless allowed by church officials. The attacker seemed undeterred by these restrictions.

An online fundraiser has been set up to help cover medical expenses and lost wages for the injured security team member expected to recover over five months.

The National Rifle Association highlights this event as evidence of why carrying firearms is essential for protection against evolving threats.