Two people have been killed and several others injured in a shooting outside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. The incident occurred in the church parking lot while dozens were attending a funeral inside.
Police confirmed at least eight adult victims, with two fatalities and three survivors in critical condition. The conditions of the remaining victims are unknown. Authorities stated they do not believe the attack was motivated by religious animus, describing it as not targeted against a faith.
Residents from a neighbouring low-income housing complex rushed to help after hearing gunshots. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots and seeing victims on the ground. One resident, Brennan McIntire, said he ran out in flip-flops to find people crying and arguing over a wounded person.
Police have not yet made any arrests and do not believe the shooting was random. About 100 law enforcement vehicles responded, with helicopters overhead. The mayor, Erin Mendenhall, condemned the violence, stating it should never have occurred outside a place of worship or a celebration of life.
The church expressed gratitude to first responders and offered prayers for those affected. The shooting comes amid heightened alert for the church following a fatal attack in Michigan last year motivated by anti-religious beliefs.
