DEADLY TERROR at Church Funeral — Manhunt Underway

Police tape marking a crime scene with blurred figures in the background — CHILLING CRIME

A deadly shooting outside a Mormon church during a funeral service has left two dead and six wounded, with the gunman still at large and police scrambling to find suspects who targeted victims in what they’re calling a non-random attack on sacred ground.

Story Overview

Eight adults shot in LDS church parking lot during funeral service, two killed
Massive police response with 100+ vehicles deployed, suspect remains at large
Attack deemed “not random” but also not religiously motivated hate crime
Major road closures disrupted Salt Lake City for hours during investigation

Targeted Violence Strikes Sacred Space

Gunfire erupted in the back parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse on Redwood Road near 700 North on January 7, 2026. Eight adults were shot while dozens attended a funeral service inside the building.

Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed the shooting was “not believed to be random,” suggesting the perpetrator specifically targeted victims rather than conducting an indiscriminate attack on churchgoers or the faith community itself.

The timing and location of this violence represents a particularly egregious breach of community safety. Funerals are moments when families gather to mourn and find solace, often in spaces considered sanctuaries from the chaos of everyday life.

The fact that someone deliberately chose this setting to carry out violence demonstrates a callous disregard for basic human decency and the sacred nature of religious observances that have anchored American communities for centuries.

Law Enforcement Response Reveals Investigation Priorities

Salt Lake City Police deployed approximately 100 vehicles and helicopters to the scene, treating the incident as a major critical event. The massive response forced closure of Redwood Road, a significant north-south arterial, from approximately 7:30 p.m. until nearly 1 a.m.

Chief Redd emphasized that investigators do not believe the shooter harbored anti-religious animus, distinguishing this case from a Michigan church attack the previous month where a former Marine killed four people and burned a building motivated by anti-religious beliefs.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the attack, stating such violence “should never have happened outside a place of worship” or during a “celebration of life.” Her comments reflect growing concerns about the vulnerability of religious gatherings, even in Utah where LDS meetinghouses are ubiquitous community fixtures.

The church spokesperson Sam Penrod expressed deep concern that any sacred worship space would be subjected to violence, emphasizing cooperation with law enforcement while the investigation continues.

Two people killed, more injured in shooting during funeral service at church building in Salt Lake.

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— KUTV2news (@KUTV2News) January 8, 2026

Community Safety Concerns Mount With Suspect At Large

The perpetrator’s escape raises immediate public safety questions for Salt Lake City residents. While police indicate the attack wasn’t random, the lack of arrests means dangerous individuals remain free in the community.

This situation is particularly troubling given that the violence occurred at a gathering place where families expected safety. Witnesses like Brennan McIntire, who lives nearby, described hearing gunshots and rushing outside to find victims on the ground as others cried and argued.

The incident may prompt security reviews at religious facilities throughout Utah, where approximately 3.5 million residents belong to the LDS faith. Churches have traditionally maintained open-door policies to welcome congregants and community members, but targeted violence forces difficult conversations about balancing accessibility with protection.

This attack, combined with recent church violence nationwide, could accelerate trends toward professional security consulting and enhanced protective measures at houses of worship.