Police in Utah have launched a major manhunt following a deadly shooting outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City that left two people dead and several others wounded.
Shooting Erupts at Place of Worship
The violent incident occurred on Wednesday in the car park of a meetinghouse belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church. At least eight adult victims were involved, with two succumbing to their injuries. Authorities confirmed that three of the survivors were in a critical condition, while the status of the others remains unclear.
Tragically, the shooting unfolded while dozens of people were inside the building attending a funeral service. All those caught up in the violence were adults.
Police Investigation and Community Response
Salt Lake City's police chief, Brian Redd, addressed the public, stating that investigators do not believe the shooter was motivated by animosity towards a specific religion. "We don't believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that," Chief Redd said. However, he emphasised that the attack was also not considered a random act.
As of the latest reports, no suspect is in custody. The response to the scene was substantial, with approximately 100 law enforcement vehicles and aerial support from helicopters.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed profound sorrow, stating, "This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life."
A Faith Community on Alert
In an official statement, church spokesperson Sam Penrod said the institution was cooperating fully with law enforcement and expressed gratitude for the efforts of first responders. "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 said.
The church, which has its global headquarters in Salt Lake City, counts roughly half of Utah's 3.5 million residents as members. This incident has sent shockwaves through a community still reeling from a separate attack last month in Michigan, where a former Marine killed four people in a church before setting it on fire. The FBI determined that attacker was driven by "anti-religious beliefs" against the Mormon faith.
The search for the perpetrator continues as authorities work to piece together the events that led to the violence outside a place of solace and gathering.
