2 dead, at least 6 injured after fight breaks out during funeral at LDS meetinghouse
Two people are now dead and at least six others were injured after a fight broke out during a memorial service at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday.
A statement from LDS spokesman Sam Penrod, cited byABC 4, said the meeting house is now cooperating with local police and offered prayers for those impacted by the shooting.
“We are aware of a serious incident that occurred outside a meetinghouse ... in Salt Lake City tonight as a memorial service was being held in the chapel. The [LDS] Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is grateful for the efforts of first responders,” Penrod said.
“Until more information is available, all questions about this incident are being directed to the Salt Lake City Police Department. 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.”
Early Thursday morning, Salt Lake City Police confirmed the shooting in a statement in which they confirmed that at least three of the injured are in critical condition and the suspects involved in the shooting are on the run.
Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson Glen Mills told the Salt Lake Tribune that the shooting occurred at the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse, and the initial call about the shooting was received about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd further told the publication that all eight people were shot outside the meetinghouse, and he did not believe the shooting was a random attack or “targeted attack” against the faith.
“We are following all leads,” said Redd, who noted that no one had yet been arrested for the shooting. “Our officers are working hard, and we will work until we bring these individuals to justice.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also offered condolences to the victims of the shooting and pledged to “bring the suspects to justice.”
“I want to express my deepest condolences to the victims of tonight’s shooting. This tragedy never should have happened, but the fact that it happened outside a place of worship during a celebration of life is especially heartbreaking,” Mendenhall said in a statement.
“I’ve been in constant contact with our police department leadership throughout the evening and have full faith that their investigation will bring the suspects to justice. I’m grateful for the swift response of our 911 dispatchers, police, and fire personnel, as well as the support of multiple law enforcement agencies.”
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, urged prayers “for the victims of such senseless violence and all the families of this church” in a statement on X.
“Please contact local law enforcement if you have any information about the perpetrators,” he said.
A couple who reside at a nearby apartment complex, identified only as Kenna and Brennan, told NBC News affiliate KSL-TV that they heard four to five gunshots, then heard three more shots a bit later.
“He opened the door and heard crying, screaming, wailing, and he said something’s going on at the church over there, we need to go look,” Kenna recalled her husband saying.
“It’s so crazy. I’ve lived here all my life and I knew this area was riddled with crime growing up. For it to happen so close now to where I live and where my wife [and I are], it’s terrifying,” Brennan added. “And sad to see that when families all get together for a funeral service that things can still go in that direction.”
The LDS religion is not a Protestant denomination and is viewed by many Christians as a cult.
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