A shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night left at least two people dead and several others wounded, authorities and church officials confirmed.
Salt Lake City police said in a social media post that, in addition to the two fatalities, at least six people suffered injuries. Police said at least three of the wounded victims remain in critical condition.
Police responded to a fatal shooting in the parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Jan. 7, 2025.
In a statement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the shooting happened outside a church building while a funeral service was taking place inside.
“We are aware of a serious incident that occurred outside a Church meetinghouse … in Salt Lake City tonight as a memorial service was being held in the chapel,” the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wrote on social media. “The Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is grateful for the efforts of first responders.”
Police said the suspect or suspects involved in the shooting remain at large.
Authorities have not yet determined what led up to the incident.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd told reporters that all of the victims were adults.
Redd said investigators do not believe the shooting targeted a religion, but they also do not think it was random. He added that it is too early to determine whether the incident was gang-related.
The Associated Press quoted Mayor Erin Mendenhall as saying, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.”
The FBI said in a social media post that it is aware of the incident and is offering support to local law enforcement.
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