Police in the United States have launched a major manhunt following a fatal shooting outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, Utah, which left two people dead and several others wounded.
Shooting Erupts at Place of Worship
The violent incident occurred on Wednesday in the car park of a meetinghouse belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dozens of people were inside the building attending a funeral service at the time the shooting started.
Authorities confirmed that at least eight adult victims were involved. Two of them succumbed to their injuries, while three survivors were listed in a critical condition. The status of the other victims was not immediately released.
Police Rule Out Religious Motive
Salt Lake City's police chief, Brian Redd, addressed the public, stating that investigators do not believe the shooter was motivated by animosity towards a specific faith. "We don't believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that," Chief Redd said. However, he emphasised that the shooting was also not considered a random act.
As of the latest reports, no suspect is in custody, prompting a large-scale search operation. The scene was flooded with approximately 100 law enforcement vehicles, and helicopters were deployed overhead.
Community and Official Reaction
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall expressed profound dismay at the location of the violence. "This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life," she stated.
A spokesperson for the Church, Sam Penrod, issued a statement confirming cooperation with law enforcement and gratitude for first responders. "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," Penrod said.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through a community where the faith is deeply rooted. The church's global headquarters is in Salt Lake City, and around half of Utah's 3.5 million residents are members. The tragedy follows a heightened state of alert for the faith community after four people were killed in a shooting and arson attack at a Michigan church last month. The FBI determined that attacker was driven by "anti-religious beliefs" against the church.
