> At a Glance
> – Two adults killed, six wounded outside Salt Lake City LDS chapel during a funeral
> – Three victims remain in critical condition; suspects still at large
> – Police say the violence was not aimed at the faith or congregation
> – Why it matters: The rare burst of deadly force at a house of worship shatters a sacred space and leaves a tight-knit Tongan congregation grieving
A funeral inside a Salt Lake City chapel turned into a crime scene Wednesday night when gunfire rang out in the parking lot, killing two adults and injuring at least six others.
The Shooting
Officers responded around 7:30 p.m. to 660 N. Redwood Road after reports of shots fired outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building. An earlier altercation escalated into gunfire while mourners gathered inside for the memorial service.
- Two victims died at the scene
- Six additional adults were injured
- Three remain in critical condition
- All wounded were adults
Salt Lake City Police confirmed the suspects fled and are still outstanding, though investigators say they have “solid leads.”
Community Reaction
Because the chapel primarily serves a Tongan-speaking congregation, the tragedy ripples through a close community already assembled to honor a lost loved one.
Church spokesperson Sam Penrod issued a statement:
> “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.”
Police Chief Brian Redd emphasized:
> “We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that.”
Officers have since interviewed dozens of funeral attendees and urge anyone with information to contact authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Two dead, six wounded after parking-lot dispute turns deadly
- Victims transported themselves to hospitals; three remain critical
- No indication of faith-based motive; investigation focused on personal conflict
- Community leaders call for peace and cooperation with law enforcement
As the manhunt continues, mourners grapple with a double dose of grief-first for the person they came to honor, now for the lives shattered outside their chapel doors.
