Salt Lake City Shooting: Two Killed and Many Injured Outside a Church — Details

Amid continued updates on the tragedy, the Church has issued a statement about the incident, offering prayers and condolences to all those affected.

A heartbreaking night of grief spiraled into unspeakable horror in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, when gunshots rang out outside a church during a funeral service, leaving two dead and six others wounded.

The senseless violence struck outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 660 North Redwood Road, shaking the Rose Park Fifth Ward community, which holds services in the Tongan language.

Was the Attack Random or Targeted?

Of the six injured, three remain in critical condition, according to local authorities. Some of the victims were rushed to nearby hospitals in private vehicles before police and emergency responders arrived on scene.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd addressed the public in a press briefing, assuring that while the suspect remains at large, there is no immediate threat to the broader community. He emphasized that investigators believe the shooting was not a random act nor a targeted attack against the Church or its religious affiliation.

"We don't believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that," Redd stated. "We don't believe, at this point, that this was random."

Surveillance Footage

Media coverage and photos shared online captured the magnitude of the law enforcement response. At the intersection of 700 North and Redwood Road, flashing lights from multiple police vehicles could be seen barricading the area, with crime scene tape and cones stretching across the street.

Additionally, surveillance footage from a nearby home provided a chilling glimpse into the violence. Though the camera did not capture the shooters, the video revealed flashes and the unmistakable sound of rapid gunfire breaking the night's silence.

Known Details Of the Investiagation So Far

Police are currently pursuing all leads, including a vehicle of interest seen traveling north on Redwood Road. While there is no confirmed description of the suspect vehicle, authorities are continuing their search in the surrounding area, particularly along Redwood Road and toward the Jordan River.

Redwood Road remains closed in the vicinity of the Church, and residents are urged to steer clear while the investigation unfolds.

City Leaders Vow Justice

Chief Redd, joined by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, reassured the community of their commitment to justice and safety. "Our officers will not rest until we bring justice," Redd said. "We will be here in the area, connecting with the community, working with them, doing what we can to make people feel safe."

Mayor Mendenhall echoed the sentiment, expressing deep sorrow, "Our condolences continue to grow, and we know that this impacts not only those victims and their families, the community that was at the church, but the entire community here in Salt Lake City and on the West Side."

The FBI's Salt Lake City field office has also acknowledged the incident and is offering assistance to local law enforcement.

Church Breaks Silence After Attack

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed sorrow over the violence that unfolded just outside one of its meetinghouses during a memorial service.

In their statement, the Church emphasized its full cooperation with police and thanked first responders for their swift actions. They also extended prayers for all affected and voiced deep concern that "any sacred space intended for worship" could be marred by such violence — a tragedy that has shaken both their congregation and the wider Salt Lake City community.

"Until more information is available, all questions about this incident are being directed to the Salt Lake City Police Department," added the Church.

As the investigation continues and the search for a suspect remains active, the city stands united in grief, resilience, and the hope that justice will soon be served.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to all the families and people affected by such a tragedy and the lives that were lost. We hope for their healing as they grieve such significant losses. Rip, to all the lives lost.