Utah shooting: Funeral turns deadly as gunfire kills two outside church

Two people were killed and at least six others injured after a shooting broke out outside a church in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night, while a funeral was underway inside the building, authorities said.

The incident occurred shortly after 7.30 pm local time in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located along Redwood Road. According to police and local media reports, mourners were attending a funeral service when an altercation outside escalated into gunfire.

Salt Lake City police confirmed that all victims are adults. Of the six injured, three are in critical condition, while the remaining victims’ conditions were not immediately known. Emergency medical teams rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals as officers secured the scene. 

“There was some sort of altercation, and that’s when shots were fired,” said police spokesperson Glen Mills during a late-night press briefing. Authorities said no suspect has been taken into custody so far, though investigators claim they have “solid leads” and are actively working to locate those involved.

Police Chief Brian Redd stated that several individuals were detained at the scene for questioning, but stopped short of confirming any arrests. The area surrounding the church remains closed to the public as forensic teams continue to collect evidence and review surveillance footage.

Video from the scene showed a heavy police presence, with multiple emergency vehicles and flashing lights lining Redwood Road. Residents were advised to avoid the area while the investigation remains ongoing.

In a brief statement, the church said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and offered prayers for the victims and their families.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have not released the identities of the victims pending family notification. Police said additional details will be shared as the investigation progresses.