Deadly Shooting Outside Salt Lake City Church Leaves 2 Dead, 6 Wounded
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| People attending a funeral at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City leave after a fatal shooting in the parking lot Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Laura Seitz/AP/The Deseret News |
Shooting Breaks Out During Funeral Service
A shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City during a funeral service Wednesday night left two people dead and six others wounded, authorities said, as police continued an intensive search for at least one suspect and worked to determine the motive behind the attack.
The violence erupted shortly after 7:30 p.m. on January 7 in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located along Redwood Road on the city’s west side. A memorial service was underway inside the building when gunfire broke out outside, sending mourners and nearby residents scrambling for safety.
Victims and Injuries Confirmed by Police
Police said eight adults were struck by gunfire. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while six others were transported to area hospitals. Three of the injured remain in critical condition, according to officials.
Some victims were driven to hospitals by private vehicles before emergency crews arrived, complicating early efforts to determine the total number of injured.
Altercation in Parking Lot May Have Preceded Gunfire
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said the shooting appeared to stem from an altercation in the parking lot, though investigators are still working to reconstruct the sequence of events.
“This does not appear to be a random act,” Redd said, emphasizing that there is no indication the church or funeral service itself was targeted.
Manhunt Underway, No Arrests Announced
As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made. Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses, canvassing the area for witnesses, and analyzing license plate reader data.
Police confirmed they are searching for a vehicle of interest seen leaving the area, but declined to provide further details to avoid compromising the investigation. Authorities have not disclosed how many shooters may have been involved or what type of weapon was used.
Individuals Questioned, Investigation Continues
Several individuals were briefly detained for questioning and later released, authorities said. Investigators have not yet clarified whether the suspect knew the victims or had any connection to the funeral.
Law enforcement officials stressed that the investigation remains active and that information may change as new evidence emerges.
Heavy Police Presence and Road Closures
The shooting prompted a significant law enforcement response, with officers from multiple agencies sealing off portions of Redwood Road for several hours as investigators processed the scene and collected evidence.
Residents in the area were initially urged to shelter in place, though that advisory was later lifted once police determined there was no immediate threat to the public.
Community and Church Leaders React
In a statement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed grief and shock over the violence, saying it was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and injury” and offering prayers for the victims, their families, and the broader community.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the attack, calling it “a heartbreaking act of violence in a place meant for peace and reflection.” She urged anyone with information to come forward and pledged full city support for the investigation.
Broader Concerns Over Gun Violence
The incident has renewed concerns about gun violence occurring in or near places of worship across the United States. While investigators have not linked the shooting to extremist motives or broader trends, community leaders said the emotional impact has been especially profound given that the violence occurred during a funeral.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant video footage to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department.
