A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday night outside a church in Salt Lake City, where a shooting claimed the lives of two individuals and injured six others while a memorial service was held inside. The shooting occurred in the church's parking lot, belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon church. Law enforcement officials stated that at least three of the injured are in critical condition, yet no suspects were in custody following the event.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd indicated that investigations suggest the shooter did not target the church or its members specifically, adding, We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that.
The back parking lot of the red brick church, which predominantly serves Tongan congregants, turned chaotic as mourners rushed outside to assist the victims upon hearing gunfire. Witness Brennan McIntire recounted his experience of rushing out with his wife, Kenna, after hearing the shots. As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground. People are attending to him and crying and arguing, he described.
In the immediate aftermath, emergency services were deployed, with about 100 law enforcement vehicles responding to the scene. Neighbors gathered, offering support while the police reviewed surrounding surveillance footage for clues.
The mayor of Salt Lake City, Erin Mendenhall, expressed her sorrow over the shooting, stating that it was unacceptable for such violence to occur at a sacred space designated for worship and remembrance. A spokesperson for the church voiced gratitude for the swift actions of first responders and extended thoughts and prayers to all affected by this devastating event.
Prior concerns about safety in religious venues have heightened nationwide after a church shooting in Michigan that resulted in four deaths last month, with the perpetrator being motivated by anti-religious sentiments against Latter-day Saints. The community is now left grappling with the ramifications of this latest violence and seeking solutions to prevent future tragedies.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd indicated that investigations suggest the shooter did not target the church or its members specifically, adding, We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that.
The back parking lot of the red brick church, which predominantly serves Tongan congregants, turned chaotic as mourners rushed outside to assist the victims upon hearing gunfire. Witness Brennan McIntire recounted his experience of rushing out with his wife, Kenna, after hearing the shots. As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground. People are attending to him and crying and arguing, he described.
In the immediate aftermath, emergency services were deployed, with about 100 law enforcement vehicles responding to the scene. Neighbors gathered, offering support while the police reviewed surrounding surveillance footage for clues.
The mayor of Salt Lake City, Erin Mendenhall, expressed her sorrow over the shooting, stating that it was unacceptable for such violence to occur at a sacred space designated for worship and remembrance. A spokesperson for the church voiced gratitude for the swift actions of first responders and extended thoughts and prayers to all affected by this devastating event.
Prior concerns about safety in religious venues have heightened nationwide after a church shooting in Michigan that resulted in four deaths last month, with the perpetrator being motivated by anti-religious sentiments against Latter-day Saints. The community is now left grappling with the ramifications of this latest violence and seeking solutions to prevent future tragedies.
