Two individuals have lost their lives and several others have sustained injuries following a mass shooting outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, USA. The incident occurred during a funeral, and authorities are currently conducting a manhunt for the perpetrator who remains at large.
Law enforcement responded to the shooting at a Latter Day Saints chapel on Redwood Road around 7:30 p.m local time. Six individuals have been confirmed injured in the tragic event.
A significant police presence has been observed outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with numerous police vehicles lining the street and officers securing the area.
The Church’s headquarters is located in Salt Lake City, where about half of Utah’s 3.5 million residents are affiliated with the faith. Similar churches can be found throughout the city and state.
The community has been on high alert since a recent incident in Michigan, where four individuals were killed in a church shooting and arson attack. The perpetrator, a former Marine, was driven by anti-religious sentiments against the church, as per FBI findings.
Authorities have stated that the shooting in Salt Lake City does not appear to be targeting any specific faith group. The police chief emphasized that it was not a religiously motivated attack.
The law enforcement presence at the scene included around 100 vehicles and aerial support from helicopters. The Mayor expressed deep regret that such violence occurred near a place of worship and during a memorial event.
In response to the incident, the Church of Latter-day Saints released a statement acknowledging the tragedy and their cooperation with law enforcement. They extended prayers to all affected by the violence and condemned any form of aggression in sacred spaces.
Salt Lake City Police confirmed the shooting and the number of casualties, with the suspects still at large. The police urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, coinciding with a funeral service as reported by local news outlets. The suspect’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Video footage from the scene depicted a significant emergency response with flashing lights from numerous vehicles. The FBI in Salt Lake City also offered assistance to local authorities in managing the situation.
Reports indicate that three of the injured individuals are in critical condition, while the status of the other three remains uncertain. The incident unfolded near a Latter-day Saints Church on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah.