Two Victims Killed in Salt Lake City Church Shooting Identified — Here's What We've Learned

A funeral service in Salt Lake City was tragically disrupted by gunfire on Wednesday night, January 7, 2026, leaving two men dead and six others injured.

One of the victims, who had shared his personal story of transformation and recovery, is now being remembered for his efforts to inspire change in others.

How the Shooting Unfolded

The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m., outside the Rose Park 5th Ward chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 660 N. Redwood Road, according to The Salt Lake City Tribune (SLT). A funeral service was underway at the time.

The Riverside 2nd Ward, which also meets in the building, was not holding services that evening. Both congregations serve members of the Tongan community.

Initial reports described an active shooter, prompting a large police response. Authorities later stated the shooting was not random and not religiously motivated. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public.

By Thursday morning, five of the six people injured in the shooting remained hospitalized, while one had been released. Three were reported in critical condition. The conditions of the others were not confirmed, as they had been taken to hospitals in private vehicles.

Victims Identified

Amid the chaos, police identified the two men who died as Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, who was known to loved ones as "Junior," "Boney," and sometimes "Tomato Head."

Tulikihihifo, 46, was at the funeral service with his wife, Nani Tulikihihifo, and their five-month-old baby when the shooting happened. According to SLT, his wife noticed their baby had become restless and asked him to grab some formula from their minivan. He stepped outside with the keys but never came back.

Seconds later, at least ten shots were fired in the church parking lot. His family said they are not sure whether he ever made it to the car before he was shot. They also emphasized that he was not involved in the fight that led to the shooting.

The victim was the father of 11 children. His oldest son, Darian Tulikihihifo, appeared heartbroken as he spoke to FOX 13, "To me, my dad was someone I looked up to heavily. He was God-fearing. He was very selfless, most caring man I ever meet."

Meanwhile, Vatuvei was also a husband and father of a 3-year-old son. He had been working to build a presence as a social media content creator, gaining a growing audience by sharing personal struggles and journey to recovery.

He spoke about his past involvement in gangs and time in prison, where he began writing poetry. After his release, he continued writing and hoped to publish a book.

"I grew up in a different era, a statistic in the system. A suspect in this life of crime, I've never been a victim," he reportedly wrote in a poem to his son. "Break generational curses, it's time for a change. I broke bread with slaves, felt every emotion in a cage."

Vatuvei was active in a community group and was seen as a mentor. Friends said he supported others trying to rebuild their lives.

What May Have Sparked the Shooting

According to KUTV, police believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between individuals attending a service at the church. The argument reportedly escalated into an exchange of gunfire outside the building.

Chief Redd described the scene as "complicated," noting that some vehicles were seen leaving the area and may be connected to those involved.

Several people were detained for questioning, but none have been arrested. Police do not believe the shooters are in custody and said the number of individuals who opened fire is still under investigation.

Authorities later released additional details about the ongoing investigation, including surveillance footage. City officials also issued public statements, and the Church released a response.

Surveillance Footage

As previously reported, 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 Investigation 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."

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.