Two individuals have lost their lives, and several others have sustained injuries following a mass shooting that occurred outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, US. The incident unfolded during a funeral, prompting a manhunt for the still-at-large suspect.
Law enforcement responded to the shooting at a Latter Day Saints chapel on Redwood Road around 7:30 p.m local time, where six individuals were reported injured. A significant police presence, including numerous patrol cars with officers blocking off the street, was observed outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Church’s headquarters is located in Salt Lake City, with approximately half of Utah’s 3.5 million residents belonging to this faith. Similar churches can be found in various towns across the city and state.
Following a recent tragic event in Michigan where four individuals were killed by a former Marine in a church arson incident, the faith community has been on heightened alert. However, authorities do not suspect any specific religious animosity in this shooting incident.
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 police also ruled out the possibility of the shooting being random, with no suspect currently in custody.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed dismay over the violence occurring outside a place of worship, emphasizing the tragic nature of the event during a memorial service. The Church of Latter-day Saints released a statement acknowledging the incident and cooperating with law enforcement.
A police spokesperson confirmed the shooting at the meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing details on the casualties and ongoing investigation efforts. The FBI Salt Lake City office offered assistance to local law enforcement in response to the incident.
Reports indicate that three of the injured individuals are in critical condition, while the status of the other three remains unknown. The shooting occurred near a Latter-day Saints Church on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah.