Tragic Shooting Outside Church During Funeral in Salt Lake City

Mon Feb 02 2026 20:58:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A shooting incident outside a Salt Lake City church during a funeral resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries, shocking the local community.

Investigators reported a shooting outside a Salt Lake City church, which led to two fatalities and six injuries, occurring amidst a funeral service. Authorities confirm the incident stemmed from a known dispute rather than a random act of violence, and five victims remain hospitalized, with police securing the area. Witness cooperation has proven challenging, complicating the investigation.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A devastating shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City left two people dead and six others injured, occurring during a funeral service on Wednesday. Investigators indicated that the violence stemmed from a dispute among individuals who knew each other.

As of Thursday, no arrests had been made, and authorities were struggling to obtain witness cooperation while confirming that the shooting was not random. The victims, all adults, included at least three individuals in critical condition, with five still hospitalized under police protection.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated, We are looking into the reason and cause for the gunfire, while reaffirming that the shooting was not motivated by animosity towards the church community.

The church, primarily serving Tongan congregants, has a strong cultural and religious presence in the neighborhood. The investigation continues as police inspect license plate readers and surveillance footage from nearby businesses.

Residents nearby rushed to aid victims immediately after hearing the gunfire. Brennan McIntire, who heard the shots, described the chaotic scene where his neighbors offered help to those on the ground. The events have left the community shaken and mourning.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, stating, This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life. The church's leadership has expressed gratitude for the responders while also voicing deep concern over violence occurring in sacred spaces.

The faith community, comprising nearly half of Utah's population, has been on heightened alert following previous violent incidents targeting members due to their beliefs.