Tragic Shooting Outside Salt Lake City Church: Two Dead and Six Injured

Sat Jan 10 2026 00:09:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A shooting outside a Salt Lake City church during a memorial service leaves two dead and six others injured, prompting an urgent search for the suspect.

A shooting incident occurred outside a church in northwest Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday night, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. Law enforcement stated that the shooting, which took place amid a memorial service, does not appear to be a hate crime nor a random act. Witnesses recount the harrowing scene, and the church community expresses deep sorrow over the violence during a time meant for remembrance.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — In a tragic event unfolding outside a Salt Lake City church, two individuals lost their lives and six others sustained injuries from a shooting incident late Wednesday evening. The violence erupted in the parking lot of a church belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon church, while a memorial service was taking place inside.

Authorities have confirmed that no suspect is currently in custody. Among the injured, at least three are reported to be in critical condition.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated in a press release, We do not believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that and further reinforced that it does not appear to have been a random shooting.

The red brick church, located in a neighborhood serving predominantly Tongan congregants, holds services in their native language. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as residents of a nearby low-income housing complex rushed to the scene amidst the gunfire to assist the victims. One resident, Brennan McIntire, recalled hearing the gunshots while watching TV, prompting him to rush outside to help.

Witness Kenna McIntire expressed her shock at the sight of first responders carrying an unconscious woman into an ambulance while others mourned nearby. It was really heartbreaking to hear and see, she remarked.

In response to the shooting, officials deployed around 100 law enforcement vehicles to the area, along with aerial support. Investigators are currently examining license plate readers and surveillance footage from local businesses as part of their efforts to locate the shooter.

“This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life,” stated Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall.

The church community expressed solidarity and concern, emphasizing that sacred spaces should be free from violence. Church spokesperson Sam Penrod conveyed their condolences, stating, We extend prayers for all who have been impacted by this tragedy and express deep concern that any sacred space intended for worship should be subjected to violence of any kind.

At present, the faith community in Utah, where nearly half of its 3.5 million residents are members, remains on heightened alert following previous incidents of violence directed towards churches associated with their beliefs.