A shooting outside a church building in Salt Lake City resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others on January 10, 2024. The incident occurred in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints facility, where a funeral service was taking place at the time.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that authorities do not believe the shooting was aimed at the religious community. “We believe this was not a random incident,” Redd informed reporters during a press briefing. The victims, all adults, were present during the funeral when the violence erupted.
Following the shooting, a significant police presence was noted at the scene, with approximately 100 law enforcement vehicles deployed and helicopters surveying the area from above. As of the latest reports, no suspects have been taken into custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
This tragic event has raised concerns regarding safety in places of worship, particularly during significant community gatherings. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but the community is mourning the loss of life and grappling with the aftermath of such violence.
Local authorities have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to this tragic occurrence. The police department is committed to ensuring the safety of the community and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
