SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A tragic shooting occurred outside a church in Salt Lake City that left two people dead and six others injured during a funeral. Investigators have identified the incident as stemming from a dispute among individuals known to each other, rather than a random act of violence.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting that took place Wednesday in the parking lot of a church predominantly serving Tongan congregants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Authorities indicated they were unsure if gang involvement played a role, and they are facing challenges in obtaining witness cooperation.
On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd released a statement confirming that all victims were adults, with at least three in critical condition. One of the deceased, identified as Vaea Tulikaninifo, was 46-years-old.
Authorities confirmed that they do not believe the shooting was motivated by anti-religious sentiments. The church community, located in a neighborhood serving a majority Tongan congregation, conducts services in their native language, reinforcing the sense of community the church holds.
Witnesses recounted the chaos following the gunfire, with several residents from a nearby low-income housing complex rushing to help the victims. Brennan McIntire, a neighbor, stated, As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground. People are attending to him and crying and arguing. His wife, Kenna, was equally distressed by the scene, witnessing first responders carrying injured individuals away.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing that such violence should not occur outside a place of worship or during a time meant for celebrating life. The church has stated its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement and offered prayers for those affected by the tragedy.
The police are currently reviewing surveillance footage and license plate records from the area as part of the investigation. With approximately half of Utah's 3.5 million residents affiliated with the LDS faith, the community has heightened vigilance following previous violent events targeting their places of worship.
