Salt Lake City, Utah – A tragic shooting erupted outside a Mormon church on Wednesday, claiming two lives and leaving several others wounded. The incident unfolded in the parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a funeral gathering, turning a solemn occasion into a scene of horror.
Authorities responded swiftly to reports of gunfire around local time in the afternoon. Witnesses described chaos as dozens of mourners scattered amid the bursts of shots. Police confirmed two fatalities at the scene, with six people hospitalized – three in critical condition.
No arrests have been made, but law enforcement, bolstered by FBI assistance, is actively hunting the gunman. Initial investigations suggest the shooting stemmed from a dispute outside the church rather than a targeted attack on the faith. ‘This wasn’t random, but it doesn’t appear religiously motivated,’ a police spokesperson stated.
Eyewitness Brennan MacIntyre recounted the terror: ‘My wife and I were watching TV when we heard the shots. We rushed out and saw someone on the ground, people crying and arguing around them.’ The response was massive – nearly 100 police vehicles flooded the area, helicopters hovered overhead.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed outrage: ‘This never should have happened outside a place of worship, especially during a celebration of life.’ Community leaders echoed calls for prayers, decrying violence at sacred sites. As the city reels, questions swirl about rising gun violence in America, where such tragedies have become all too familiar.