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 authorities are actively searching for the perpetrator who remains at large.
Law enforcement responded to the shooting around 7:30 p.m local time at a Latter Day Saints chapel located on Redwood Road. 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 headquarters of the church is situated in Salt Lake City, where approximately half of Utah’s 3.5 million residents are affiliated with the 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 in a church shooting and arson incident, the faith community has been on high alert. The FBI determined that the perpetrator in Michigan was motivated by anti-religious sentiments towards the church.
Authorities have stated that the shooting in Salt Lake City does not appear to be targeting any specific faith. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd emphasized that it was not a religiously motivated attack.
Law enforcement officials do not believe the shooting was random, and as of now, no suspect is in custody. The aftermath of the incident saw around 100 law enforcement vehicles at the scene and helicopters providing aerial support.
Expressing deep concern, Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, especially occurring outside a place of worship. The Church of Latter-day Saints released a statement acknowledging the incident and cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
A spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police provided details on the shooting, stating that two people were killed and at least six others were injured, with three in critical condition. The suspects are still at large, but the authorities are actively pursuing leads to locate them.
The shooting unfolded in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a funeral service. Video footage from the scene depicted a substantial presence of emergency response vehicles.
The FBI Salt Lake City office extended assistance to local law enforcement following the incident. Reports indicate that three of the injured individuals are in critical condition, while the status of the remaining three is currently unknown.
This tragic event took place near a Latter-day Saints Church on 650 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah.