Two killed and six others were injured in a shooting outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, where mourners were attending a memorial service, police said. The attacker remains at large, and authorities say they are reviewing surveillance footage to identify a suspect.The Salt Lake City police department, in a post on X, shared the incident, notifying their presence at scene. “2 people were killed, and at least 6 more have been injured, with at least 3 of those in critical condition. The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those involved,” the post read.The police also intimated the road closure, stating, “Redwood Road is closed in both directions from 500 N to 700 N.” They also shared the helpline number for more information on the matter.Police said all eight victims were adults news agency AP reported. Investigators stressed that the shooting did not appear to target the Latter-day Saints faith, nor was it considered random.“We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that,” police chief Brian Redd said. Police said they were reviewing license plate readers and surveillance videos from nearby businesses as part of the manhunt.Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the incident, saying, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.”The violence unfolded in the back parking lot of a red brick meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church. Residents of a housing complex next door rushed outside to assist. Sharing his account from the incident, Brennan McIntire, who heard gunfire while watching TV, said he ran outside in flip-flops.“As soon as I came over, I saw someone on the ground. People are attending to him and crying and arguing,” he said. His wife, Kenna, described seeing first responders carry an unconscious woman into an ambulance. “It was really heartbreaking to hear and see,” she said.The church said it was cooperating with law enforcement and expressed grief.“We extend prayers for all who have been impacted by this tragedy and express deep concern that any sacred space intended for worship should be subjected to violence of any kind,” spokesperson Sam Penrod said.
About the Author
