Two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting near a funeral service at a church building in Salt Lake City, with the suspect still at large in the aftermath.
Officials confirmed a total of eight victims, whilst the suspect remained at large following the shooting.
Witnesses in the area who heard the gunshots described the experience as “pretty scary” and said they were relieved it did not occur inside the church.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said law enforcement was confident they will bring those responsible to justice, emphasising that the incident was not a random act.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said the incident should never have happened and vowed that those responsible will be held accountable.
“Our officers will not rest until we bring them to justice,” Redd said.
Chief Redd said investigators are following up on all leads, including a vehicle of interest that was seen heading north on Redwood Road.
He said it was too early to determine whether the incident was gang-related. The area being examined by law enforcement is located behind the church.
“We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion,” Redd said. “We’re going to keep looking until we find them.”
Mayor Mendenhall also expressed her condolences to the victims’ families.
“No matter where they go, we will find them, and they will be brought to justice,” Mendenhall said.
Redwood Road closed near 700 North in Salt Lake due to the heavy police activity.
According to the Utah Department of Transportation, the road would not be cleared until close to 1 a.m.
Officials reported the road closure due to the police incident just after 7:30 p.m.
The shooting occurring near a funeral service suggests the violence may have stemmed from ongoing conflicts between individuals or groups who attended or were connected to the deceased person being memorialised. Funerals sometimes become flashpoints when people with histories of violence gather in one place.
The eight total victims, two killed and six injured, indicates sustained gunfire or multiple shooters rather than a single shot. The number of casualties suggests either an automatic weapon, multiple firearms, or a crowded target area where bullets struck numerous people.
Chief Redd’s statement that the incident was “not a random act” means investigators believe the shooter or shooters targeted specific individuals rather than attacking indiscriminately. This suggests premeditation and specific motive rather than a mass shooting targeting strangers.
The vehicle of interest heading north on Redwood Road provides a lead for investigators. Witnesses likely saw people fleeing the scene and provided descriptions that helped identify the vehicle. Heading north suggests the suspects were leaving the area quickly.
Redd saying it’s too early to determine whether the incident was gang-related whilst also stating it wasn’t random creates an apparent contradiction. However, this likely means investigators suspect targeted violence but haven’t confirmed gang involvement versus personal disputes or other motives.
The shooting occurring behind the church rather than inside suggests either the violence erupted in the car park as people arrived or departed, or the shooter couldn’t or wouldn’t enter the church building itself.
Redd’s statement that “we don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion” addresses immediate concerns that might arise from violence at a religious facility. Clarifying that the church location was incidental rather than the motive prevents panic amongst religious communities.
The witnesses being “relieved it did not occur inside the church” reflects the additional horror that would accompany violence inside a sacred space during a funeral service. The psychological trauma of witnessing violence during worship or memorial services compounds the tragedy.
The 7:30 p.m. timing means the shooting occurred during evening hours when funeral services or gatherings after services often take place. The darkness would have provided cover for shooters fleeing the scene.
The road closure until close to 1 a.m., roughly five and a half hours after the shooting, demonstrates the extensive crime scene processing required. Investigators needed to document evidence, collect shell casings, interview witnesses, and process the area thoroughly.
Redwood Road being a major north-south arterial in Salt Lake City means the closure created significant traffic disruptions during evening hours when people were travelling home or going out.
Mayor Mendenhall’s vow that “no matter where they go, we will find them” suggests confidence based on evidence or intelligence that investigators know the suspects’ identities or have strong leads. Such statements typically come when authorities believe arrest is imminent or inevitable.
