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 outside a funeral, prompting an ongoing manhunt for the still-at-large suspect. Law enforcement responded to the shooting at a Latter-Day Saints chapel on Redwood Road around 7:30 p.m. local time, with six individuals reported injured.
A significant police presence has been observed outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with numerous police vehicles lining the street and officers securing the area.
The Church, headquartered in Salt Lake City, serves a significant portion of Utah’s population, with about half of the state’s 3.5 million residents being members. Similar churches are scattered throughout the city and state.
The religious community has been on high alert since a recent tragic incident in a Michigan church where four individuals were killed by a former Marine with anti-religious motives. However, authorities do not suspect religious animosity in the Salt Lake City shooting.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that the incident was not a targeted attack against any faith, and law enforcement believes it was not a random act either. No suspect has been apprehended at this time.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed dismay over the violence occurring outside a place of worship, emphasizing that it should never have happened during a memorial service.
The Church of Latter-day Saints acknowledged the incident, stating they are cooperating with law enforcement and offering prayers for all affected by the tragedy.
In a separate statement, a Salt Lake City Police spokesperson confirmed the shooting details, including the number of casualties and ongoing investigation. The public was urged to provide any relevant information to assist in locating the suspects.
The shooting occurred in the church’s meetinghouse parking lot during a service, with authorities confirming the suspect’s absence and ongoing search efforts.
Video footage from the scene displayed a significant presence of emergency vehicles responding to the incident.
FBI Salt Lake City announced their awareness of the situation and willingness to support local law enforcement.
Reports indicate that three of the injured victims are in critical condition, while the status of the remaining three injured individuals remains unknown.
The shooting incident unfolded near a Latter-day Saints Church at 650 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah.