Two Dead and Six Injured in Salt Lake City. A shooting outside a funeral service at an LDS church in Salt Lake City has left two dead and six injured. Police are currently searching for the suspects involved.
Salt Lake City LDS church shooting 2026
A tragic shooting occurred in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening, January 7, 2026, leaving two people dead and six others injured. The incident took place at approximately 7:36 p.m. at the church located at 660 North Redwood Road in the Rose Park neighborhood. According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the violence erupted following a physical altercation during a funeral service that was being held inside the chapel. Witnesses reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire, which sent approximately 200 funeral attendees into a state of panic as they were kept inside the building while law enforcement established a secure perimeter. The victims, all of whom are adults, included two individuals who were pronounced dead at the scene or shortly after, while three of the six injured survivors remain in critical condition at local hospitals.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated during an evening press conference that the shooting does not appear to be a targeted attack against the church or any specific religion. Authorities believe the incident was not random but rather a result of a specific conflict that escalated among individuals present in the parking lot. In the chaotic aftermath, approximately 100 law enforcement vehicles arrived at the scene, and helicopters were deployed to assist in the search for the perpetrators. A gray or silver car was identified as the suspect vehicle, which was last seen traveling north on Redwood Road immediately after the shots were fired. While police briefly detained two individuals for questioning, no formal arrests have been made, and an active manhunt is currently underway for the shooter or shooters involved.
The local community has been deeply shaken by the violence occurring at a “celebration of life,” a sentiment echoed by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who condemned the act as one that should never happen outside a place of worship. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing deep concern and offering prayers for all those impacted by the tragedy. Church spokesperson Sam Penrod confirmed that the organization is cooperating fully with law enforcement and expressed gratitude for the rapid response of the first responders. This event has added to a heightened sense of alert for the faith, following a separate fatal shooting and arson attack at a meetinghouse in Michigan just last month.
As of Thursday morning, January 8, Redwood Road remains closed to the public near the 600 North block as investigators from the Salt Lake City Police Department’s gang unit and homicide division continue to process the scene. The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office has also offered assistance to local partners as they follow “solid leads” provided by residents. Family members of the victims have gathered at nearby locations to console one another, awaiting further updates on the condition of those still hospitalized. The investigation remains fluid, and officials are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
