On the evening of January 7, 2026, a solemn funeral at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Salt Lake City was shattered by sudden violence, leaving two people dead and at least six others injured. The incident, which took place around 7:30 p.m. at 660 North Redwood Road, has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised urgent questions about safety even in the most sacred of spaces.
According to information provided by the Salt Lake City Police Department and reported by multiple outlets including ABC4, KSL, and The Salt Lake Tribune, the shooting erupted in the parking lot while a funeral was underway inside the meetinghouse. Police spokesperson Glen Mills stated during a press conference, "There was some sort of altercation, and that's when shots were fired." The precise nature of the dispute that led to the violence remains under investigation.
Authorities confirmed that all eight victims were adults. Of those injured, three remain in critical condition, while the conditions of three others are still unknown, as they were rushed to local hospitals in private vehicles. This detail, as highlighted by Mills, has complicated the police response and investigation, making it more challenging to track the victims and gather immediate information about their injuries and the sequence of events.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd addressed the public late Wednesday, confirming that the shooting was not believed to be a random act. "We don't believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that," Redd said, as reported by ABC News and Local News 8. "We don't believe, at this point, that this was random." The chief emphasized that while gang detectives were present at the scene, authorities could not yet confirm whether the incident was gang-related. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement actively reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences in hopes of identifying those responsible.
In the immediate aftermath, police quickly closed Redwood Road to traffic and established a search perimeter from 500 North to 700 North. Officers detained several individuals at the scene, but as of late Wednesday, it remained unclear how many people had actually been taken into custody. The main suspect—or suspects—fled the scene, prompting a citywide manhunt. "The suspects are still outstanding, but our officers have obtained solid leads and are working to locate those involved," police stated on social media, according to The Independent.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Salt Lake City field office also became involved, offering assistance to local law enforcement partners. Meanwhile, the Utah Department of Transportation announced road closures in the area, underscoring the seriousness of the incident and the scale of the response.
Inside the church, the mood was one of disbelief and fear. Many funeral attendees, already grieving the loss of a loved one, found themselves caught in a chaotic and traumatic situation. One attendee, identified as the cousin of the deceased, told ABC4, "I still have my family in the church, and they won’t let us leave, because the whole back of the church is a crime scene." Another eyewitness described hearing gunshots outside the chapel and expressed sorrow at the violence disrupting a time meant for mourning, telling KSL 5 TV, "Just a sad situation to see this even happen at a funeral."
In response to the tragedy, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement through spokesman Sam Penrod, expressing both grief and resolve. "We are aware of a serious incident that occurred outside a Church meetinghouse at 660 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City tonight as a memorial service was being held in the chapel. The Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is grateful for the efforts of first responders. 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."
The church’s statement, echoed in reports from ABC4 and The Independent, underscored the shock and sadness felt by the broader faith community. Many expressed concern that a place meant for comfort and reflection could become the site of such sudden devastation.
As investigators continue their work, police have called on the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3000. Law enforcement officials stress that, based on preliminary evidence, there is no ongoing threat to the public. Nevertheless, they are leaving no stone unturned, with detectives—particularly those with expertise in gang-related activity—reviewing every possible lead.
Throughout Wednesday night, emergency vehicles with flashing lights filled the area around the church, and video footage captured by local media showed a heavy law enforcement presence. The community, still reeling from the violence, has begun to gather in support of the victims’ families. City officials, including Salt Lake City’s mayor, have shared condolences and called for unity in the face of tragedy.
While shootings at places of worship remain rare, this incident has reignited conversations about security at religious gatherings and the broader issue of gun violence in American communities. The fact that the attack occurred during a funeral—a moment already marked by grief—has only deepened the sense of loss and urgency for answers.
Officials have pledged transparency as the investigation unfolds, promising to provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, the Salt Lake City community is left to mourn, reflect, and hope for swift justice for those responsible for this senseless act of violence.
As Wednesday night drew to a close, the church, city, and families affected by the shooting faced the difficult task of healing. Their prayers and determination to support one another will be crucial in the days ahead as investigators work to piece together the events that led to this tragic loss of life.