Two individuals have lost their lives and several others have sustained injuries following a mass shooting outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, USA. The incident occurred during a funeral, and authorities are actively searching for the suspect who remains at large.
Law enforcement responded to the shooting at a Latter Day Saints chapel on Redwood Road around 7:30 p.m local time. Reports indicate that six individuals have been wounded in the attack.
A significant police presence has been observed outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with numerous patrol cars lining the streets and officers securing the area.
The headquarters of the church is based in Salt Lake City, where approximately half of Utah’s 3.5 million residents are affiliated with the faith. Similar churches can be found across the city and state.
Heightened vigilance has been maintained within the faith community ever since a former Marine tragically killed four individuals in a Michigan church last month. The FBI attributed the attack to the perpetrator’s “anti-religious beliefs.”
Authorities have clarified that the shooting does not appear to be religiously motivated or random. No suspects have been apprehended at this time.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed dismay over the violent incident, emphasizing that such acts should not occur near places of worship or during moments of remembrance.
The Church of Latter-day Saints issued a statement acknowledging the incident and cooperating with law enforcement while expressing condolences for those affected.
Salt Lake City Police confirmed the shooting, reporting two fatalities and multiple injuries, with efforts ongoing to locate the suspects. The road in the vicinity has been closed, and the public is urged to provide any relevant information to the authorities.
The tragic event unfolded in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a funeral service, as reported by the Deseret News.
Video footage from the scene captured a significant emergency response presence, with FBI Salt Lake City offering support to local law enforcement agencies.
Several victims remain in critical condition following the shooting near a Latter-day Saints Church on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah.