Two individuals have lost their lives, and several others have sustained injuries following a mass shooting outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, United States. The incident occurred during a funeral, triggering a manhunt for the still-at-large suspect.
Law enforcement responded to the shooting shortly after 7:30 p.m local time at a Latter Day Saints chapel on Redwood Road. Six individuals have been confirmed injured in the tragic event.
A significant police presence has been observed outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with numerous police cars lining the street and officers securing the area.
The Church of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City, has approximately half of Utah’s 3.5 million residents as members. Similar churches can be found throughout the city and state.
Following a recent church shooting in Michigan, where four individuals were killed, allegedly due to anti-religious beliefs, the faith community has been on high alert. However, authorities do not suspect any religious motive in the Salt Lake City shooting.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that the incident was not a targeted attack against a specific religion. The police believe the shooting was not random, and as of now, no suspect is in custody.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed deep regret that such violence occurred outside a place of worship. The Church of Latter-day Saints issued a statement acknowledging the incident and collaborating with law enforcement.
A police spokesperson mentioned that two individuals 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.
The shooting, which took place in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has led to road closures in the area. Emergency response vehicles and law enforcement presence were prominent at the scene.
The FBI Salt Lake City branch offered assistance to local law enforcement in response to the incident. Reports indicate that three of the injured victims are in critical condition, while the status of the other three remains unknown.
The tragic event unfolded near a Latter-day Saints Church at 650 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah.