SALT LAKE CITY, UT – A memorial service turned deadly as two individuals were killed in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints location in Salt Lake City on Wednesday (Jan. 7). The incident occurred after the close of service at the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse at around 7:30 p.m.
The bishop of the church, who has requested to remain anonymous, did not hear any gunshots during the church service. He did, however, notice churchgoers scrambling to get back in the building after dismissal. The clergyman went outside to investigate the commotion when he saw two vehicles leaving the location and victims of the shooting lying in the parking lot. In all, six individuals were wounded and two people were killed in the shooting.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued a statement following the shooting at the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse. “We are aware of a serious incident that occurred outside a Church meetinghouse at 660 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City tonight as a memorial service was being held in the chapel,” Sam Penrod, spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said.
“The Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is grateful for the efforts of first responders. Until more information is available, all questions about this incident are being directed to the Salt Lake City Police Department. 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.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also had words about the tragedy during a police news conference. “This should never have happened outside a place of worship,” the mayor said. “This should never have happened at a celebration of life,” Mendenhall added.
“[Investigators] are not going to rest until the individuals responsible are brought to justice. Full stop. No matter where they go, we will find them.”