Two families are grieving after a deadly shooting erupted outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, Utah, turning a funeral service into a scene of violence. The incident, which police believe is linked to gang activity, left two men dead and six others wounded.
A Funeral Shattered by Gunfire
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 7:30pm on Wednesday outside a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Redwood Road. Mourners had gathered to pay their respects to Asi Sekona, 47, who died suddenly on 29 December. As attendees were outside the church, unknown assailants opened fire.
The victims were identified as Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea 'Junior' Tulikihihifo, 46. Tulikihihifo had travelled from California to attend the service. Both men were part of Utah's close-knit Tongan community, which represents the state's largest Pacific Islander population.
In the chaotic aftermath, six other individuals were shot and wounded. Three were reported to be in a critical condition, while the status of three others was initially unknown. The situation was further complicated as some victims were rushed to hospital in private vehicles.
Victims Remembered as Community Pillars
Sione Vatuvei was known as a social media influencer and a positive force within Pacific Islander men's groups and anti-violence charities. Friends described him as a beacon of light during difficult times.
Vaea 'Junior' Tulikihihifo was remembered with heartfelt online tributes from his devastated family. His cousin, Luana Latime, wrote of being "soooo heartbroken" that he was "taken from us far too soon." His sister, Shannon Bloomfield, condemned the perpetrators as "cowards" for the "senseless act of violence" that took her "first blood."
The funeral was the first of two planned for Asi Sekona, whose body was to be transported to Inglewood, Los Angeles, for a second service. His wife, Naioka Tilini Sekona, had previously shared the poignant story of his sudden passing while they were in Florida.
Police Hunt for Suspects in Gang-Related Attack
Salt Lake City Police Department launched an extensive manhunt, deploying about 100 police cars and helicopters to the area. The force's gang unit is leading the investigation. Police Chief Brian Redd stated that detectives do not believe the shooting was a targeted attack on the Mormon faith or a completely random act.
"We don't believe this was a targeted attack against a religion but we also don't believe that it was random," Chief Redd explained during a press conference. Several individuals were detained as material witnesses, but no suspects had been identified or described by late Wednesday.
The church, headquartered in Salt Lake City, issued a statement expressing deep concern that a sacred space had been subjected to violence and confirming its cooperation with the investigation. Mayor Erin Mendenhall vowed that authorities would not rest until those responsible were brought to justice.
One shaken family member who was inside the viewing told local media, "Tonight was a funeral viewing for one of my cousins who died just a few days ago - but I guess there's going to be a few more funerals now." The surrounding area remained closed into the early hours as the investigation continued.
