By Ashley Imlay, Garna Mejia, and Curtis Booker, KSL
Updated – January 7, 2026
In a shocking incident that rattled the Salt Lake City community, a shooting outside a church led to the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others on Wednesday evening. The tragic event occurred during a funeral service at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in the Rose Park neighborhood, raising concerns about safety and the nature of violence in public spaces.
The Incident Unfolds
At approximately 7:36 p.m., chaos erupted in the church parking lot located at 660 N. Redwood Road during a gathering to honor a deceased member's life. A fight broke out, which escalated to gunfire. According to Salt Lake police spokesman Glen Mills, two of the eight victims succumbed to their injuries while three others remained in critical condition.
"The situation is very fluid. At this point, we are still assessing the details," Mills noted in a press conference late Wednesday evening. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and as of 11 p.m., the suspect or suspects involved in the attack had fled the scene.
Witness reports described a frightening scene, with shots being fired outside the church, shaking attendees who sought refuge inside. Dom Fiefia, who was present at the funeral, recounted the terrifying moment: "It was pretty loud, especially inside; all you could hear was quietness. And then with those shots, it kind of shook the whole place up."
Ongoing Investigation
The Salt Lake City Police Department has intensified its investigation, establishing a perimeter from 500 North to 700 North along Redwood Road, extending toward the Jordan River. Although the police detained two individuals for questioning shortly after the incident, the investigation has yet to determine whether they were directly involved in the shooting.
As valued sources of information, residents who witnessed the shooting have come forward with potential leads. Police have indicated that various reports are being assessed; however, no definitive suspect has yet been identified. Mills stated, "We are exploring whether the suspect or suspects were attending the funeral."
Community Response
Local leaders, including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, expressed deep condolences to victims' families and the wider community during this difficult time. "This should never have happened; it should never have happened outside a place of worship," she said in her address to the media, promising that law enforcement would pursue the assailants tirelessly until justice was served.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement emphasizing their cooperation with law enforcement and mourning the loss experienced by families in the community. "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.
Residents in the Rose Park community reacted with shock and fear. "It's terrifying," said one witness, reflecting on the prevalent concerns of safety at public gatherings. Many voiced that the violence resonates deeply given their familiarity with the neighborhood and personal experiences with crime.
Broader Implications
The Salt Lake City Council officially extended their thoughts to the Rose Park community on social media, encouraging local citizens to remain vigilant and report any information. Utah Senator Mike Lee also echoed calls for prayers and assistance to law enforcement in identifying the perpetrators behind this senseless violence.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges a community may face with gun violence, especially in spaces traditionally associated with solace and mourning. The FBI's Salt Lake field office has offered support to local police in their investigations as the community searches for answers and healing in the aftermath of this calamity.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact police dispatch at 801-799-3000.
The effects of the shooting will be felt in the community for months and perhaps years to come, as families and friends navigate the cycles of grief following such unthinkable violence. As investigations continue, the hope remains that justice will be served, and the community will work toward safer environments for all its members.
