Violence Strikes Salt Lake City Church As Shooting Leaves Two Dead

A tragic outbreak of violence disrupted a funeral service on Wednesday in Salt Lake City, leaving two people dead and at least six others injured in a shooting outside a Latter-day Saints chapel.

According to police, the shooting took place in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, where a memorial service was underway. Authorities said the incident began as an altercation before escalating into gunfire.

“Out in the parking lot, there was some sort of altercation and that’s when shots were fired,” said Glen Mills, a spokesperson for Salt Lake City Police. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released. Three other victims remain in critical condition, with the status of the remaining injured still unknown.

Dozens of mourners were attending the funeral when the gunfire erupted. Law enforcement immediately launched a manhunt for the suspects, and the FBI has been called in to assist.

Officials stated that there is currently no indication the attack was religiously motivated. “We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that,” a police official clarified at a press briefing.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement condemning the violence. “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,” the statement read.

The shooting has shaken the local community and raised concerns about the rise in violence even at solemn events like funerals. Law enforcement continues to investigate the motive behind the incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

The nation’s attention now turns to Salt Lake City as it grapples with this latest tragedy.