Tragic Shooting at Salt Lake City Church Funeral Leaves Two Dead

Sat Jan 10 2026 00:07:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A shooting outside a Salt Lake City church during a funeral resulted in two deaths and six injuries, marking a tragic incident in a place typically associated with mourning and remembrance.

Investigators are probing a shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City that killed two and injured six during a funeral. Authorities suspect a personal dispute among attendees rather than gang-related motives. Witness cooperation remains a challenge, as five victims remain hospitalized. Mayor Erin Mendenhall emphasized the tragedy of violence at places of worship.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded Wednesday in Salt Lake City when a shooting outside a church during a funeral resulted in two fatalities and six injuries. The police have confirmed that the conflict arose among acquaintances of the deceased, who were attending the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident but have yet to make any arrests. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd indicated that while the dispute did not appear to be gang-related, cooperation from witnesses has been minimal, complicating their investigation. As of Thursday, five individuals remained hospitalized, with reports that at least three victims were in critical condition.

One of the deceased, identified as 46-year-old Vaea Tulikaninifo, has brought heartbreak to the community, which typically gathers in this red-brick church that primarily serves Tongan congregants and conducts services in their native tongue.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed her sorrow, stating, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never happen outside a celebration of life.” The church leadership has extended their prayers and gratitude towards first responders for their rapid actions in a distressing situation.

Bystanders described chaos as they rushed to assist victims upon hearing gunfire. Witness Brennan McIntire recounted seeing people tending to an individual on the ground amidst cries and confusion. His wife, Kenna, also expressed her shock at the harsh realities of violence infiltrating their neighborhood.

As authorities sift through surveillance footage and data from license plate readers, they aim to identify suspects and ensure community safety. The faith community, already heightened in vigilance due to previous attacks, underscores the pressing need for peace in sacred spaces.