Two people were killed, and at least six others were wounded after gunfire erupted outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday night while a funeral service was taking place inside, according to police and local reports, as reported by The New York Post.
The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Redwood Road, Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson Glen Mills told the Salt Lake City Tribune.
Authorities said eight people were struck by gunfire in the church parking lot as dozens of mourners were gathered inside for a funeral service.
The police response to last night’s tragic shooting outside a Salt Lake City LDS meetinghouse, where officers and vehicles clustered densely in the open on Redwood Road, highlights a dangerous tactical vulnerability, leaving responders bunched up like easy targets. Law… pic.twitter.com/qQItB4IwI7
— Russell Bain (@RussellBain9) January 8, 2026
Police confirmed that two victims died from their injuries. Of the six wounded, three were listed in critical condition, the Salt Lake City Police Department said in a post on X. All of the victims were adults.
As of late Wednesday night, no suspects were in custody, and investigators had not determined whether the shooting involved one gunman or multiple shooters. Police also said a motive had not yet been identified.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
Despite the lack of arrests, authorities indicated progress in the investigation. “We believe this was not a random incident,” Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd told reporters at the scene.
BREAKING: Salt Lake City, Utah mass shøøting at LDS church leaves 2 killed, 8 wounded at a funeral service.
Occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. pic.twitter.com/cqaXZdemZO
— Moni (@MoniFunGirl) January 8, 2026
Redd also emphasized that the shooting was not believed to be motivated by religion. The attack occurred outside the church, and police said there was no indication that the place of worship itself was targeted because of its faith.
Following the gunfire, the area surrounding the church was flooded with law enforcement. Approximately 100 police vehicles responded, and helicopters were seen flying overhead as officers secured the scene and searched for those responsible.
The church and surrounding area remained closed into the evening, with police urging the public to avoid the area while the investigation continued.
NOW – Mass shooting at Mormon Church in Salt Lake City, Utah leaves at least 8 shot, 2 dead. pic.twitter.com/POdOpwOqxN
— Confidential Post (@TheCPostNews) January 8, 2026
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, focusing on the location and timing of the shooting.
“This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life,” Mendenhall said.
The Salt Lake City Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post. Investigators continued working through the night, interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence from the scene.
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims, and no additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting were provided. Police said updates would be released as more information becomes available.
The incident remains under active investigation.
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
