SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A tragic shooting outside a Salt Lake City church has rocked the community, resulting in two deaths and six injuries while mourners were attending a memorial service inside.
The violence unfolded in the parking lot of a church belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon church). Police reported that the shooter remains at large, but they do not believe the attack was motivated by anti-religious sentiments.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated, We don’t believe it was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that. It seems that it was not random either. All victims of the shooting were adults, with at least three in critical condition.
Witness accounts paint a heartbreaking picture of chaos. Local resident Brennan McIntire described rushing outside hearing gunshots and encountering people in distress, trying to aid a victim on the ground.
The incident left about 100 law enforcement officials at the scene attempting to gather evidence, including reviewing surveillance footage from the area. The church expressed deep sadness over the event and emphasized the need for safety during times of worship.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, stating, This should never have happened outside a place of worship or a celebration of life. The community is coming together to support the victims and mourn the loss.
