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

Fri Jan 09 2026 12:59:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A tragic shooting incident occurred outside a Salt Lake City church during a memorial service, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries, prompting an urgent police investigation.

Late Wednesday night, a shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City led to the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others, three of whom are in critical condition. The incident unfolded as mourners attended a memorial service inside. Authorities have stated that this was not believed to be a targeted attack against a religion. Salt Lake City Police are in the process of investigating the incident, reviewing surveillance footage, and seeking witnesses.

SALT LAKE CITY – A shooting erupted outside a church in northwest Salt Lake City on Wednesday night, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries during a memorial service attended by mourners inside, according to reports from local police.

The incident happened in the back parking lot of a church affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church. So far, authorities have not taken any suspects into custody.

All victims were adults, and at least three individuals are reported to be in critical condition. Police have indicated that they do not believe this was a targeted attack against any specific faith nor a random act of violence.

We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that, stated Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd during a press briefing.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as residents from nearby housing rushed to aid victims immediately after hearing gunfire. Brennan McIntire, who lives in an adjacent apartment, recounted seeing individuals on the ground and people around them crying and helping.

Kenna McIntire shared her concerns about frequent gunfire in their neighborhood but expressed distress at witnessing it so near to home. “It was really heartbreaking to hear and see,” she said.

The police are currently reviewing surveillance footage from local businesses and license plate readers to assist in their investigation. More than 100 law enforcement vehicles responded to the scene, and helicopters patrolled the area.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed her sorrow about the shooting, stating, This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.

The local church has reached out to law enforcement and expressed gratitude for the first responders' efforts, emphasizing the need for sacred spaces meant for worship to remain free from violence.

As the community processes this tragedy, law enforcement continues to seek answers and ensure the safety of local residents.