Two individuals have lost their lives and several others have been wounded in a mass shooting outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, United States. The incident occurred during a funeral, and law enforcement is actively pursuing the suspect who remains at large.
The shooting transpired outside a Latter Day Saints chapel on Redwood Road, with police responding to the scene shortly after 7:30 p.m local time. At least six individuals have sustained injuries as a result.
A significant police presence has been observed outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with numerous police vehicles lining the street and officers securing the area.
The Church, headquartered in Salt Lake City, serves a substantial portion of Utah’s population, with approximately half of the state’s 3.5 million residents affiliated with the faith. Similar churches can be found throughout the city and state.
Following a recent tragic event in a Michigan church where four individuals were killed by a former Marine, the faith community has been on high alert. The FBI determined that the perpetrator was driven by “anti-religious beliefs,” although authorities do not suspect the Salt Lake City shooter targeted a specific religion.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that the incident was not a deliberate attack against any faith group. The shooting was not considered random, and no suspects were in custody at the time of reporting.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed dismay that such violence occurred outside a place of worship and during a memorial service. The Church of Latter-day Saints issued a statement acknowledging the incident and cooperating with law enforcement.
Salt Lake City Police reported two fatalities and multiple injuries, with some victims in critical condition. The suspects were still at large, but law enforcement was actively pursuing leads. The street where the incident occurred was closed off, and witnesses were urged to contact the authorities with any information.
The shooting unfolded in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during a funeral service. The suspect remained at large, according to local news outlets.
The FBI Salt Lake City branch offered support to local law enforcement following the incident. Emergency response vehicles were visible at the scene, with flashing lights indicating the gravity of the situation.
Reports indicate that three of the injured individuals are in critical condition, while the status of the others remains uncertain. The shooting occurred in close proximity to a Latter-day Saints Church located at 650 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah.
