On the evening of Jan. 7, 2026, a shooting occurred outside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. According to the latest update from the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), the incident has so far resulted in 2 deaths and 6 injuries, with 3 of the injured in critical condition. At the time of the shooting, a funeral memorial service was being held inside the church. Police have cordoned off the scene and launched a citywide search for the suspect.
The shooting happened at around 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a church meetinghouse located at 660 North Redwood Road in northwest Salt Lake City. Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of mourners were gathered inside the church. The meetinghouse primarily serves the local Tongan community. When the gunshots rang out, dozens of residents from nearby low-income housing areas and surrounding streets rushed to the scene to assist first responders with CPR and emotional support for the victims.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated at a midnight press conference that preliminary investigations indicate this tragedy was not a random attack targeting a specific religious faith, nor was it an act of terrorism. Police believe the incident stemmed from a physical altercation or verbal dispute in the parking lot, which quickly escalated into an armed assault.
All eight Salt Lake City victims are adults
Two of the victims were pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital, and three others are currently in local hospitals in critical condition with weak vital signs. No suspects have yet been arrested. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and data from license plate readers to identify suspect vehicles and individuals.
The FBI has joined the investigation, with more than 100 law enforcement vehicles and multiple helicopters participating in scene processing and area searches. The Salt Lake City church issued a statement saying it is fully cooperating with law enforcement and expressing gratitude for the quick actions of first responders.
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Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall later issued a statement strongly condemning the violence: “This was meant to be a solemn moment to celebrate life and express grief. Violence should not occur outside any place of worship, and certainly not in such a sorrowful setting.” Members of the affected community said that although the area occasionally experiences public-safety disturbances, an incident of this scale outside a church has left the entire community deeply shocked and unsettled.
The Salt Lake City Police Department reminded the public:
- Stay alert: The suspect is currently armed and dangerous. If you see suspicious persons or vehicles, do not approach and call 911 immediately.
- Provide tips: Police urge anyone who has surveillance footage, phone video from the scene, or information about the background of the conflict to contact the investigation team at 801-799-3000 or submit information through anonymous reporting channels.
- Area restrictions: The area surrounding the church remains under lockdown. Commuters are advised to avoid sections of Redwood Road and comply with police traffic control.
