SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A tragic shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City claimed the lives of two individuals and injured six others while a memorial service was taking place inside, as confirmed by local police. The incident occurred in the back parking lot of a house of worship affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Authorities have yet to apprehend a suspect but stated that they do not believe the shooter was motivated by animosity towards a specific religion or that the act was random.
Police Chief Brian Redd articulated, 'We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that.' Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, prompting nearby residents, including those from a low-income housing complex, to rush outside to assist and console those affected.
The congregation, primarily serving Tongan members, conducted services in their native language and the church community expressed profound sorrow over the violence. Eyewitness Brennan McIntire recalled the chaos, stating, 'As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground…' His wife, Kenna, described the heartbreaking scene following the incident, which included first responders assisting the injured.
In the hours following the shooting, an intensive police presence filled the area with about 100 law enforcement vehicles on site, including helicopters surveying from above. Mayor Erin Mendenhall emphasized the tragedy, stating, 'This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.' The church has committed to cooperating with ongoing investigations, as community leaders and local officials grapple with the implications of this shocking violence in a place typically associated with peace and reverence.
Police Chief Brian Redd articulated, 'We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that.' Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, prompting nearby residents, including those from a low-income housing complex, to rush outside to assist and console those affected.
The congregation, primarily serving Tongan members, conducted services in their native language and the church community expressed profound sorrow over the violence. Eyewitness Brennan McIntire recalled the chaos, stating, 'As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground…' His wife, Kenna, described the heartbreaking scene following the incident, which included first responders assisting the injured.
In the hours following the shooting, an intensive police presence filled the area with about 100 law enforcement vehicles on site, including helicopters surveying from above. Mayor Erin Mendenhall emphasized the tragedy, stating, 'This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.' The church has committed to cooperating with ongoing investigations, as community leaders and local officials grapple with the implications of this shocking violence in a place typically associated with peace and reverence.
