SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Two individuals were tragically killed, and six others were injured during a shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night while attendees were inside for a memorial service.
The shooting occurred in the back parking lot of a church belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly referred to as the Mormon church. Currently, no suspects are in custody as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
The Salt Lake City Police Department reported that among the injured, at least three individuals are in critical condition. According to Police Chief Brian Redd, they do not believe the shooter was targeting the church or its congregation and do not think the shooting was an act of random violence.
The church, located in a predominantly Tongan neighborhood, typically hosts services in the native language, catering to its multicultural congregation. Witnesses described the chaotic scene immediately following the shots, with residents rushing out to assist the victims while the memorial service was ongoing.
Kenna McIntire, a nearby resident, expressed her shock at the violence, stating that while gunshots are not uncommon in her neighborhood, hearing them right outside her door was particularly distressing. Along with her husband, they witnessed first responders working to save the lives of those injured.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, stating, This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life. The church has expressed its gratitude toward first responders and has announced its cooperation with local law enforcement as investigations proceed.
To ensure a swift resolution, police are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and utilizing license plate records in their search for the shooter. This incident comes amid heightened tension in Utah’s religious communities, especially following a recent shooting at a church in Michigan that resulted in four deaths.
