By Harshit
SALT LAKE CITY, JAN. 8, 2026 —
Two people were killed and six others wounded Wednesday night after a shooting outside a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, police said, as a memorial service was being held inside the building.
Salt Lake City police confirmed that three of the injured victims remain in critical condition. The condition of the remaining three wounded individuals is unknown, as they were transported to hospitals in private vehicles before officers could fully assess their injuries. All eight victims were adults.
The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. outside the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse at 660 North Redwood Road, a location also used by the Riverside 2nd Ward. Police said the gunman or gunmen fled north on Redwood Road shortly after the shooting. As of late Wednesday night, no suspect had been taken into custody.
Investigation Ongoing, Motive Unclear
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said investigators do not believe the attack was directed at the Latter-day Saint faith itself, nor do they believe it was random. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and license-plate reader data from Redwood Road and surrounding intersections to track the suspect’s movements.
Redwood Road remained closed near the church late Wednesday as officers canvassed the area and processed the scene. Police urged the public to avoid the vicinity while the investigation continues.
Community in Shock After Memorial Service Turns Violent
The church primarily serves Tongan congregations, and many members of the local Pacific Islander community were attending a memorial service when the shooting occurred outside the building.
Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou, CEO of Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR), said she knows several of the victims and described the incident as devastating for the community.
“This is a tragedy in our community,” she said, adding that while her organization has focused on violence prevention, it is too early to determine whether gang activity or other factors played a role.
Church, Officials Respond
In a statement, the church said it was aware of the “serious incident” and was cooperating fully with law enforcement.
“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 statement read.
The Utah Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed they assisted at the scene. Officials said marshals were nearby at the time of the shooting but were not involved in the investigation.
A Larger Community Impact
Utah is home to a significant Pacific Islander population, numbering about 60,000 residents statewide, according to U.S. Census data. Tongans make up the largest share of that population. Community leaders said the shooting has left many residents shaken and searching for answers.
Police said the investigation remains active and asked anyone with information or video footage from the area to contact Salt Lake City police.
This is a developing story.