A tragic shooting outside a place of worship in Salt Lake City has left two people dead and six others injured, with several victims in critical condition. The violent incident occurred in the parking lot of a Mormon church where a memorial service was being held, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Chaos Outside Sacred Space
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the shooting unfolded in the back parking lot of a red brick meetinghouse belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All eight victims were confirmed to be adults. Police Chief Brian Redd stated that the attack did not appear to target the Latter-day Saints faith specifically, nor was it considered a random act of violence. "We don't believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that," Redd emphasized during a briefing.
Eyewitness Brennan McIntire described hearing gunfire while watching television inside his nearby home. He rushed outside in flip-flops to a scene of chaos. "As soon as I came over, I saw someone on the ground. People are attending to him and crying and arguing," McIntire recounted. His wife, Kenna, witnessed first responders carrying an unconscious woman into an ambulance, calling the sight "really heartbreaking."
Police Manhunt and Community Response
Authorities confirmed that the suspects remain at large but indicated they have obtained solid leads. Investigators are actively reviewing license plate reader data and surveillance footage from nearby businesses as part of an intensive manhunt. In response to the incident, Redwood Road was closed in both directions from 500 North to 700 North.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall strongly 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 itself expressed profound grief, with spokesperson Sam Penrod saying, "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 church is fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Ongoing Investigation and Critical Injuries
The police department, in a post on social media platform X, provided initial details, noting that at least three of the injured are in critical condition. Residents from an adjacent housing complex quickly rushed to the scene to offer assistance before emergency services arrived. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of violence that invaded a space meant for mourning and reflection.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The search for the perpetrator or perpetrators is ongoing, with law enforcement dedicating significant resources to bring those responsible to justice and provide answers to a shaken community.
