Mass Shooting Outside LDS Church in Salt Lake City Leaves Two Dead, Six Injured

Salt Lake City, Utah — January 8, 2026

A mass shooting erupted outside a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City's Rose Park neighborhood on Wednesday evening, claiming the lives of two men and injuring six others during a memorial service.

Salt Lake City Police Department officials confirmed that the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. at the church located at 660 N. Redwood Road. The building serves primarily Tongan-speaking congregations, and dozens of mourners were gathered inside for a funeral when gunfire broke out in the parking lot.

The victims killed have been identified as 38-year-old Sione Vatuvei and 46-year-old Vaea Tulikihihifo. All eight victims were adults. Of the six survivors, three remain in critical condition, while the status of the others varies, with some transported to hospitals in private vehicles.

Police Chief Brian Redd described the shooting as stemming from an altercation in the parking lot, emphasizing that it does not appear to be a targeted attack against the church or motivated by religious animus. "We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that," Redd stated during a press briefing. Authorities also ruled out the possibility of random violence, noting that the incident was not believed to pose ongoing danger to the public.

No suspects are in custody as of Thursday morning, and an active manhunt is underway. Investigators are searching for a gray or silver passenger vehicle last seen heading north on Redwood Road. Police have established a search perimeter extending toward the Jordan River and reported having "solid leads," including surveillance footage of a suspect entering the vehicle. Several individuals have been detained for questioning, but no arrests related to the shooting have been announced. The FBI is assisting local law enforcement.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed profound grief over the violence, stating, "This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life." She vowed support for the affected community, particularly on the city's west side.

A spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing cooperation with authorities and gratitude for first responders' efforts. "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 read.

17GEN4.com