Salt Lake City shooting leaves 2 dead and 6 injured outside LDS church funeral; Church issues statement

A fatal shooting at the LDS church claimed the lives of two people, and at least six others were wounded when gunfire erupted outside a funeral at an LDS church in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night, January 7, as per authorities and multiple media reports. The Salt Lake Tribune reported, citing Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson Glen Mills, that eight people were struck by gunfire when shots rang out around 7:30 p.m. outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Redwood Road.

In a statement, Sam Penrod, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the church was aware of a “serious incident” outside a meetinghouse during a memorial service.

“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,” the statement said, as quoted by ABC News.


The shooting occurred in the church’s parking lot while dozens of mourners were attending a funeral service inside. Police confirmed that two people died at the scene and six others were injured in the Salt Lake City shooting. 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, reported the New York Post.

There were no suspects in custody as of late Wednesday night, and authorities said it was not immediately clear whether multiple gunmen were involved. A motive for the Utah shooting has not yet been determined, the outlet reported.

However, police said investigators are pursuing leads in the case. In the post on X, the department stated, “The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those involved.”

As a result of the LDS church shooting, Redwood Road was closed in both directions between 500 North and 700 North, according to police. The Salt Lake City Police Department said updates will be provided as the investigation into the Salt Lake shooting progresses and urged people to contact the department if they have information about the salt lake city shooting.