Camilla Jessen
Memorial service disrupted by deadly Salt Lake City shooting.
A memorial service in Salt Lake City turned into a crime scene after gunfire erupted outside a church on Wednesday evening. Police described the incident as a sudden act of violence that left a community in shock.
Investigators are now searching for those responsible.
Deadly incident
Two people were killed and at least six others injured in a shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 7, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Police said at least three of the injured are in critical condition.
The remaining victims were taken to hospitals in private vehicles, and their conditions were not immediately known, SLCPD spokesperson Glen Mills told The Salt Lake Tribune.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 7:30 p.m. at 660 N. Redwood Road.
Funeral underway
According to ABC4 Utah, the shooting occurred in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while a funeral was being held inside.
The outlet reported that shots were fired following an altercation outside the building. Police said all victims were adults.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said authorities do not believe the attack was motivated by religion.
“We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
Suspects sought
Police confirmed that the suspects had not been arrested.
“The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those involved,” the department said in a Facebook update.
Redd said investigators were speaking with “dozens of individuals” who had attended the funeral, KSL TV 5 reported.
The church serves primarily a Tongan congregation, with regular services held in the Tongan language, the AP noted.
Community reaction
Church spokesperson Sam Penrod said the church was cooperating with authorities. “We are aware of a serious incident that occurred outside a Church meetinghouse at 660 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City tonight as a memorial service was being held in the chapel,” he said, according to ABC4 Utah.
“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,” Penrod added.
Utah Senator Mike Lee also shared condolences, calling the shooting “senseless violence” and urging the public to help police with information.
Sources: Salt Lake City Police Department, Associated Press, ABC4 Utah, The Salt Lake Tribune, KSL TV 5
