Two Dead, Six Injured in Shooting Outside Salt Lake City Church
Key Highlights
- The shooting occurred during a funeral at the LDS church in Salt Lake City, resulting in multiple casualties.
- Police responded quickly, but the shooter or shooters had already fled the scene by the time they arrived.
- Authorities are investigating whether the incident was targeted or random, with no confirmed motive yet.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Salt Lake City police are investigating a shooting that left two adults dead and six others injured Wednesday evening outside a church meetinghouse in the Rose Park neighborhood, according to police officials. The shooting occurred during a funeral at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 660 N. Redwood Road.
Police were dispatched at approximately 7:36 p.m. after reports of gunfire in the church parking lot, according to KSL-TV.
According to Salt Lake City Police Department spokesman Glen Mills, a fight broke out outside the building, leading to the shooting. When officers and firefighters arrived, the shooter or shooters had already fled the scene.
At least eight adult victims were identified. Two people were pronounced dead, three were reported in critical condition, and three others had injuries described as unknown in severity, Mills said. Some victims were transported to hospitals by private vehicles before police arrived.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said investigators do not believe the shooting was a targeted attack against a religion or a random act of violence. The department’s gang unit responded to the scene as part of the investigation. Police have not confirmed how many suspects were involved or whether they were attending the funeral.
A vehicle possibly connected to the shooting was described as gray or silver and last seen traveling northbound on Redwood Road, according to police. Officers established a search perimeter between 500 North and 700 North along Redwood Road extending to the Jordan River. Two individuals were briefly detained for questioning and later released, police said.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement that it is cooperating with law enforcement and expressed gratitude for the response by first responders. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Salt Lake City field office said it was aware of the incident and offered assistance to local authorities.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Chief Redd said investigators will continue working to identify and apprehend those responsible. Redwood Road remained closed for several hours as officers processed the scene and collected evidence.