Tragic Shooting Outside Salt Lake City Church Claims Two Lives

Fri Jan 09 2026 14:20:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A shooting incident occurred outside a Salt Lake City church during a memorial service, leaving two dead and several injured. The police are investigating potential leads but have not yet apprehended a suspect.

Two individuals were killed and six injured in a shooting outside a Salt Lake City church while a memorial service was underway. Authorities have stated that the shooter does not appear to have targeted the church for its faith and are currently reviewing evidence from the scene.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A tragic shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City claimed the lives of two people and left six others injured Wednesday night, according to local police. The incident happened in the parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while mourners were attending a memorial service inside.

Authorities confirmed that all victims were adults, with at least three individuals reported as being in critical condition. Currently, no suspect is in custody, and police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that the investigation does not indicate a targeted attack against any religion, nor do they believe the shooting was random. “We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that,” he noted.

The church where the shooting took place largely serves Tongan congregants, hosting services in their native language. Residents from a nearby low-income housing complex rushed outside upon hearing gunshots, attempting to assist the injured and comfort those attending the memorial.

Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with one neighbor, Brennan McIntire, recounting how they ran outside after hearing several loud gunshots. He was confronted with the sight of individuals on the ground, alongside crying bystanders. Kenna McIntire, who stepped outside shortly after, expressed her shock at the traumatic event unfolding so close to home.

The aftermath saw a significant police presence, with about 100 law enforcement vehicles at the scene and helicopters maneuvering overhead. Officers are reviewing license plate readers and surveillance footage to aid in their search for the shooter.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed her dismay, stating, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.” Meanwhile, the church's officials extended their gratitude to first responders and expressed their condolences to all those affected by this senseless violence.

Utah's population includes a high percentage of members of the Latter-day Saints community, and houses of worship are commonly found throughout the state. Following prior incidents of violence against the faith, the FBI has indicated heightened concern for their safety.