Deadly Shooting at Salt Lake City LDS Church Leaves 2 Dead, 6 Injured

A shooting outside a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse left two people dead and six others injured Wednesday night, according to Salt Lake City police. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. during a memorial service at the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), located at 660 N. Redwood Road, where the Riverside 2nd Ward also gathers.

Police said all eight victims were adults and were shot outside the church. Of the six wounded, three remain in critical condition, while the condition of the others is unclear as they were taken to hospitals in private vehicles.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed that the shooter or shooters fled north on Redwood Road. As of late Wednesday night, no suspects were in custody. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and license plate readers along Redwood Road and 700 North. The area remains closed as police continue their investigation.

The two wards that meet at the church are predominantly Tongan congregations, reflecting Utah’s large Pacific Islander community. Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou, CEO of Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR), said she knew several of the victims and described the tragedy as devastating for the community. “Condolences to the family. This is a tragedy in our community,” she said, noting that her organization has long worked on violence prevention within Utah’s Polynesian communities.

The LDS Church issued a statement expressing sorrow and solidarity with victims’ families. “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,” spokesperson Sam Penrod said.

Authorities have not suggested extremist involvement, stressing that the shooting appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute rather than an organized attack. The investigation remains ongoing.

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