SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Gunfire erupted outside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse Wednesday evening as mourners gathered for a memorial service, leaving two people dead and six others wounded.
The shooting happened at a church building on North Redwood Road where family and friends had come together to honor someone who had passed. Instead of finding comfort, they found chaos when bullets started flying.
Three of the six injured victims were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition. Some of the wounded were so desperate for help that they were transported by private vehicles before police even arrived on scene.
Law enforcement immediately launched a massive search for the shooter, who fled the area. Officers fanned out from Redwood Road toward the Jordan River, but as of Thursday, investigators still didn’t have a detailed description of the suspect’s vehicle.
The FBI’s Salt Lake City office offered its assistance to local police, and special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to help with the investigation.
The LDS Church released a statement expressing deep concern that violence had invaded a place of worship.
“The Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is grateful for the efforts of first responders,” the statement read. “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.”
Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, condemned what he called “senseless violence” and urged anyone with information to contact authorities immediately.
Police asked the public to avoid the area around the church as the investigation continues. The identities of the victims have not been released.
