Salt Lake City Mass Shooting: Manhunt Underway After Gunfire at LDS Chapel Funeral Leaves 2 Dead, 6 Injured

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — A somber memorial service was shattered by a hail of gunfire Wednesday night as a mass shooting erupted outside a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in the Rose Park neighborhood. Salt Lake City police have confirmed that two people were killed and six others were injured in an incident that has triggered an urgent, multi-agency manhunt for the suspects.

The violence broke out at approximately 7:30 PM on January 7, 2026, in the parking lot of the chapel located at 660 North Redwood Road. At the time, dozens of mourners were gathered inside the red-brick building for a funeral service. What began as a solemn farewell to a loved one quickly devolved into a scene of “heartbreaking” chaos.

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## The Night of the Altercation: From Mourning to Massacre

Witnesses and police report that the shooting was preceded by an altercation in the parking lot. While the service was ongoing inside the chapel, a group of adults became embroiled in a heated argument outside.

“Out in the parking lot, there was some sort of altercation and that’s when shots were fired,” said Salt Lake City police spokesperson Glen Mills.

As the gunfire erupted, those inside were thrust into a terrifying lockdown. Witnesses outside described seeing people huddled in blankets, crying and arguing as approximately 100 law enforcement vehicles swarmed the area.

### The Toll: Victims and Medical Status

Emergency responders arrived to find a grisly scene in the back parking lot. Authorities have confirmed the following casualties:

Deceased: 2 adults (pronounced dead at the scene or shortly after arrival at the hospital).
Critical Condition: 3 adults currently fighting for their lives.
Injured: 3 additional adults with varying degrees of injuries.

Notably, some victims did not wait for ambulances; they were reportedly rushed to local hospitals in private vehicles and “dropped off” before police could establish a perimeter. All eight victims are confirmed to be adults.

## The Manhunt: Suspects Remain at Large

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated that while “solid leads” are being followed, the shooter—or shooters—remains at large. Authorities have not yet released a detailed description of the suspects, but they are reviewing surveillance footage and license plate readers from the surrounding area.

“This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who visited the scene late Wednesday night to offer support to the grieving community.

### Investigative Details:

Surveillance: Detectives are currently reviewing footage from nearby business surveillance cameras and doorbell cameras provided by neighbors.
Gang Unit: Chief Redd noted it is too soon to confirm if the incident was gang-related, but investigators are looking into all possibilities.
Federal Aid: The FBI has officially joined the investigation, offering support to local law enforcement.

## Religious Targeting? Police Rule Out Animus

Given the location of the shooting, concerns immediately arose regarding a potential targeted attack against the LDS faith. However, Chief Redd moved quickly to de-escalate those fears.

“We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that,” Redd said during a live press conference. While police do not believe the attack was random—suggesting the parties involved likely knew each other—they have found no evidence of religious animus.

The specific chapel at 660 N. Redwood Road serves a largely Tongan congregation, with services frequently held in their native tongue. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement expressing “deep concern that any sacred space intended for worship should be subjected to violence of any kind.”

## A Community in Shock: “It Was Heartbreaking”

The Rose Park neighborhood is reeling from the tragedy. Residents of a nearby housing complex flooded outside upon hearing the shots, some running out in flip-flops to find bodies on the pavement.

Brennan McIntire, a local resident, described the scene: “As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground. People are attending to him and crying and arguing.” His wife, Kenna, described seeing first responders lift an unconscious woman into an ambulance while people huddled around and sobbed. “It was really heartbreaking to hear and see,” she said.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there an active threat to the public in Salt Lake City? Police believe the shooting stemmed from a specific altercation between individuals. While the suspects are still at large, authorities have not indicated a broader threat to the general public, though residents are advised to remain vigilant.

2. Was the LDS church or the Mormon faith the target? No. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd stated there is currently no evidence that the shooting was a targeted attack against the religion or the church building itself.

3. What do we know about the suspects? As of Thursday afternoon, no suspects have been taken into custody. Police say they have “solid leads” and are actively working to locate those involved.

4. How many people were injured? Eight people were shot in total. Two are deceased, three are in critical condition, and three have other injuries. All victims are adults.

5. How can I help or provide information? Anyone with information, photos, or videos of the incident is urged to call the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3000 or contact local law enforcement.

### Stay Informed

The situation remains fluid as detectives interview dozens of witnesses who were inside the chapel during the shooting. For real-time updates on the manhunt and victim identification, please follow the link below:

## Safety & Recovery: Critical Tips Following the Salt Lake City Tragedy

The aftermath of a mass shooting creates a ripple effect of trauma, fear, and logistical challenges. Whether you were present at the Rose Park chapel or are a concerned member of the Salt Lake community, these tips are designed to help you navigate the immediate and long-term recovery process.

### 1. Immediate Safety & Legal Tips

Cooperate with the Manhunt: If you live in the Rose Park or West Side area, check your Ring doorbells or exterior surveillance cameras for any footage of a gray or silver sedan between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM on Wednesday. Even a partial license plate can be the “solid lead” police need.
Avoid Speculation: With suspects still at large, refrain from sharing unverified names or motives on social media. Misinformation can hinder the police investigation and put innocent individuals at risk.
Know Your Rights as a Victim: If you or a family member were injured, you may be eligible for the Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC) compensation. This can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and mental health counseling.
- Contact: 801-238-2360 or visit crimevictim.utah.gov.

### 2. Coping with Trauma & Mental Health

Limit Media Exposure: Constant “doomscrolling” or watching the footage of the police perimeter on Redwood Road can cause secondary trauma. Set specific times to check for official updates and then turn off the news.
Honor the “Lockdown” Response: It is normal to feel “jumpy” or hyper-vigilant (the “zombie apocalypse” feeling described by neighbors) after such an event. Establish a routine to signal safety to your brain—regular meal times and consistent sleep patterns are vital.
Talk to Children Simply: For kids in the Salt Lake City School District who may be hearing about the shooting, use factual but age-appropriate language. Reassure them that while this was a scary event, many adults (police, teachers, and parents) are working hard to keep them safe.
Access 24/7 Support: If you feel overwhelmed, call or text 988. This is the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, providing free, confidential support for those in emotional distress.

### 3. How to Support the Victims

Use Official Victim Advocates: Rather than showing up at the scene or the hospitals, which can overwhelm staff, contact the Salt Lake City Police Victim Advocate Program at 801-580-7969 to see how best to provide aid.
Check for Vetted Memorial Funds: In the coming days, legitimate GoFundMe or community bank accounts will likely be established for the funeral and medical costs of the eight victims. Verify these through local news outlets like KSL or The Salt Lake Tribune before donating.

### 4. Future Preparedness in Public Spaces

While police reiterate that this was likely a targeted dispute and not a random act of terror, it is always wise to be prepared:

Identify “Hard” Barriers: If you find yourself in an active situation, remember the Run, Hide, Fight protocol. If you must hide, use heavy furniture (like pews or desks) to barricade doors.
Emergency Communications: Ensure your family has a “check-in” plan for when cell towers become overloaded during a crisis. Often, texting is more reliable than calling when networks are congested.