> At a Glance
> – Two men, Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46, were fatally shot outside a Latter-day Saints meetinghouse
> – A funeral service argument escalated into gunfire; three others remain in critical condition
> – Suspects are still at large; police say the attack was not random
> – Why it matters: The violence shattered a place of worship during a celebration of life, heightening community fears
A Wednesday-morning funeral outside a Salt Lake City chapel ended in tragedy when an argument turned into a deadly shooting that left two dead and six injured.
The Victims
Family members told local outlets that Vatuvei had been building a social-media following to inspire people battling addiction. He was hailed as a light to those struggling.
Tulikihihifo’s relatives said the new father stepped outside only to retrieve baby formula for his 5-month-old. He was struck by bullets meant for others.
> “Why him? We just don’t understand,” said Kalo Nau, Tulikihihifo’s cousin. “He was just an innocent bystander. This is such a senseless act.”
Investigation Update
Police stressed the shooting was not an attack on the church but stemmed from a personal dispute that spilled onto the sidewalk. At least three victims are still in critical condition as of Thursday night.
> “The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads,” the department stated.
Community Reaction
Mayor Erin Mendenhall voiced the city’s grief:
> “This tragedy never should have happened. The fact that it happened outside a place of worship during a celebration of life is especially heartbreaking.”
Key Takeaways
- Funeral dispute escalated to gunfire outside Latter-day Saints meetinghouse
- Two dead, three critically injured; suspects remain at large
- Attack targeted individuals, not the religious site
- Families mourn Vatuvei’s mentorship mission and Tulikihihifo’s role as devoted dad
As investigators follow leads, residents grapple with violence that invaded sacred ground.
