SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A shooting outside a memorial service at a Salt Lake City church left two people dead and six others injured on Wednesday night, police reported.
The tragic event took place in the back parking lot of a church belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon church. It occurred while a memorial was underway inside the building.
Authorities have confirmed that no suspects were in custody as of Wednesday night, escalating concerns within the community.
All injured individuals were adults, with at least three reported to be in critical condition. Police have identified that the shooting did not seem to arise from animosity towards the church, indicating it was not a targeted attack, but further investigations continue.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated, “We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that.”
The red-brick church primarily serves Tongan congregants and hosts services in their native tongue, per its official website.
Witnesses from nearby low-income housing rushed to aid the victims and comfort attendees who were present for the memorial service of an unidentified individual.
Brennan McIntire, who lives next to the church, recounted hearing gunshots while watching TV and promptly rushed outside to assist.
“As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground,” he said, recalling the chaos as people scrambled to provide help.
Efforts to capture the shooter included reviewing nearby surveillance footage and license plate records, with approximately 100 law enforcement vehicles responding to the chaotic scene.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed deep sorrow regarding the incident, stating, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.”
The church's leadership is cooperating fully with law enforcement, expressing their condolences for those affected. Church spokesperson Sam Penrod remarked, “We extend prayers for all who have been impacted by this tragedy and express deep concern that any sacred space intended for worship should be subjected to violence of any kind.”
The incident has heightened vigilance in the area, especially following a recent violent episode where a former Marine attacked a church in Michigan. Officials note that about half of Utah’s 3.5 million residents are members of the Church, highlighting the significance of safety in their neighborhoods.
