Tragic Shooting Outside Salt Lake City Church During Memorial Service

Fri Jan 09 2026 14:16:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A shooting incident outside a Salt Lake City church results in two fatalities and multiple injuries during a memorial service, raising concerns about safety in places of worship.

In a heartbreaking incident in Salt Lake City, two people were killed and six others injured when gunfire erupted in the parking lot of a church during a memorial service. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, with police stating that it does not appear to be a targeted attack against a religion. Community members expressed shock and concern over the violence in a sacred space.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — In a tragic event, a shooting incident led to the deaths of two individuals while six others were injured during a memorial service held at a church in Salt Lake City. The incident occurred in the rear parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon church, on Wednesday night.

Authorities reported that no suspects had been taken into custody immediately following the event, which has left the community in shock. Police indicated that all victims were adults, with at least three sustaining critical injuries.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that they do not believe the shooter targeted any specific faith nor was the shooting a random act of violence. He emphasized, “We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that.”

The church primarily serves Tongan congregants, offering services in their native language. Witnesses spoke of the chaotic scene, recalling how residents from a nearby low-income housing complex rushed outside after hearing gunfire to assist the injured and provide comfort to those affected.

Brennan McIntire, a neighbor, described how he and his wife reacted to the sound of gunshots. “As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground,” he recounted, describing the sight of bystanders trying to help those injured. His wife, Kenna, expressed her distress at witnessing the first responders carry an unconscious woman into an ambulance.

Although residents reported hearing gunshots frequently in their neighborhood, the couple noted that this instance was particularly distressing as it unfolded right outside their door. Mayor Erin Mendenhall reacted strongly to the incident, stating, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.”

As part of the ongoing investigation, police are reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence from the vicinity. The church has expressed its gratitude for the swift actions of law enforcement and first responders, reiterating a commitment to support those impacted by this violent act. Given the troubling context of violence occurring in religious spaces, the community remains vigilant and deeply affected by this tragedy.