Two people are dead and at least six are injured after a shooting during a memorial service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, Wednesday night, officials said.
Three of the injured are in critical condition, the Salt Lake City Police Department said in a Wednesday evening statement.
“The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those involved,” the department said. (RELATED: Federal Court Backs Christians In One Of Nation’s Most Secular States)
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that the victims are all adults.
“We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion,” he added, according to Deseret News.
A statement from the church, often referred to as the Mormon church, said the shooting took place outside the church meetinghouse as a memorial service was being held in the chapel.
“The church is cooperating with law enforcement and is grateful for the efforts of first responders,” the statement concluded.
The red brick meetinghouse serves members of the local Tongan community, hosting weekly church services in the Tongan language, according to its website.
#BreakingNews 660 N Redwood Rd. SL Police and multiple surrounding agencies responded to a Mass Casualty Event of multiple people #shøt at an #LDSChurch. I have heard of at least 5 injured, 2 are confirmed deceased and others have life threatening injuries. Officers are searching… pic.twitter.com/tX9LNKxyKA
— SLCScanner (@SLCScanner) January 8, 2026
“As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground,” a resident of a nearby apartment complex told the Associated Press. “People are attending to him and crying and arguing.”
The resident and his wife said gunshots are heard almost daily in their neighborhood, but never this close.
“This tragedy never should have happened, but the fact that it happened outside a place of worship during a celebration of life is especially heartbreaking,” Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said after sharing her condolences.
“I’ve been in constant contact with our police department leadership throughout the evening and have full faith that their investigation will bring the suspects to justice,” Mendenhall continued. “I’m grateful for the swift response of our 911 dispatchers, police and fire personnel, as well as the support of multiple law enforcement agencies.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Salt Lake City office said it is aware of the incident and is offering assistance.
Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee asked followers on X to join him in praying for “the victims of such senseless violence and all the families of this church.”
This follows a targeted September shooting and fire at a LDS church in Michigan, leaving casualties and several injured.