On Wednesday evening, January 7, 2026, a shooting erupted outside a funeral at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) meetinghouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, leaving two people dead and six others wounded; as of now no suspects are in custody and a significant manhunt remains underway.
What happened? Around 7:30 p.m. local time, an altercation in the parking lot at 660 N. Redwood Road outside an LDS church funeral escalated into gunfire, killing two adults and injuring six others, three critically. Authorities confirm no suspect has been apprehended, and police are actively searching for those responsible.
Where & When It Happened
- Location: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse — 660 N. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Date & Time: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, shortly after 7:30 p.m. MST.
- Context: A funeral service was ongoing inside the building when shots were fired outside in the adjacent parking area.
What Police Have Confirmed
Victims & Casualties
- 2 people killed as a result of gunshot wounds.
- 6 others injured — of these, three are in critical condition, while the conditions of others are being monitored.
- All victims reported so far were adults.
Suspects & Investigation
- No suspects in custody; law enforcement has established a perimeter and is searching actively for people believed to be involved.
- Police have not yet clarified how many suspects were involved or provided descriptions.
- Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and license plate reader data to track vehicles linked to the shooting.
Police Statement
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said investigators do not believe the shooting was a random act or specifically targeting religion, describing the situation as serious and ongoing.
Inside the Incident — What We Know So Far
The Scene
Eyewitness reports and law enforcement accounts indicate that the violence did not begin inside the church sanctuary but erupted outside during a funeral service attended by mourners, friends, and family.
People inside the chapel reportedly heard the gunshots echo through the building, forcing attendees into lockdown conditions as police secured the scene.
Law Enforcement Response
- Massive police presence: More than 100 law enforcement vehicles, including patrol cars and helicopters, were deployed.
- Perimeter set: Officers established a search area extending along Redwood Road toward the Jordan River to locate suspects.
- FBI involvement: The FBI’s Salt Lake field office has confirmed awareness and offered assistance.
Community Impact & Reaction
Local Leaders Weigh In
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the incident, stating that such violence “should never have happened outside a place of worship or at a celebration of life.”
Leaders across community groups have expressed sorrow and called for calm as investigations continue. There is a palpable sense of shock that a violent shooting could unfold at a location meant for mourning and spiritual solace.
Church Response
The LDS Church issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the sacredness of church grounds and gratitude for first responders’ efforts.
Possible Motives & Early Context
As of now, official motives have not been released by police, and authorities have refrained from labeling the shooting as a hate crime or terrorism.
Some local chatter (unverified) suggests the incident may stem from a personal dispute or altercation among people who were attending the funeral, rather than a planned attack. Investigators are exploring all angles, including rivalries or ongoing feuds.
Important: These discussions remain speculative until confirmed by law enforcement.
Violence at Religious Sites
Utah, and Salt Lake City specifically, has seen very low rates of church-associated violence historically. The state’s last major mass shooting at a religious site before this was the Trolley Square shooting in 2007 — over a decade ago — underscoring how rare such events are in the region.
This context adds to why the community’s shock is so profound.
What Happens Next — Law Enforcement & Public Safety
Ongoing Investigation
- Police continue to canvass Redwood Road and surrounding neighborhoods for suspects.
- Witnesses and surveillance footage are being prioritized to identify guns, vehicles, and movements around the scene.
Public Appeal
Officials have urged anyone with information — including dashcam or doorbell footage — from the area between 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. to come forward.
Safety Measures
Salt Lake City Police have increased patrols in religious and community centers, urging the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious behavior.
Why This Matters
This shooting not only marks a devastating loss of life but also raises pressing questions about:
- Public safety near houses of worship, especially during significant life events like funerals.
- Gun violence in communal settings, even in regions with relatively low violent crime rates.
- The efficacy of rapid law enforcement response and investigative coordination between local, state, and federal authorities.
Conclusion: The Human Toll & Search for Answers
The Salt Lake City church shooting of January 2026 stands out as a deeply unsettling incident: two innocent lives lost, six others fighting for recovery, and a grieving community searching for answers in the wake of senseless violence.
At this stage:
- Suspects remain at large and under active pursuit.
- Motive remains unconfirmed, and authorities emphasize investigation integrity.
- The tragedy underscores that violence can erupt anywhere — even in places dedicated to mourning and peace.
As additional verified details emerge, this coverage will be updated to reflect the most current, confirmed information from law enforcement agencies, public officials, and credible local sources.
Confirmed Timeline of Events (Salt Lake City LDS Church Shooting)
7:15–7:25 p.m. (Pre-Incident)
Mourners arrive at the LDS meetinghouse on North Redwood Road for a funeral service. Witnesses later tell police there was no visible disturbance inside the church during the service.
This matters: investigators have been clear that the violence did not originate inside the sanctuary.
~7:30 p.m. — Gunfire Begins
An altercation breaks out in the parking lot outside the church. Within moments, multiple gunshots are fired.
Police have confirmed:
- Shots were fired outside the building
- Multiple victims were struck in a very short time window, suggesting rapid gunfire rather than a prolonged standoff
Several attendees inside the church hear the shots and take cover.
7:32–7:35 p.m. — First 911 Calls
Salt Lake City emergency dispatch receives multiple calls reporting shots fired and people down at a church location.
Officers are dispatched immediately under an active-shooter protocol.
7:36–7:45 p.m. — Police Secure the Scene
First officers arrive and:
- Secure the parking lot
- Provide immediate life-saving aid
- Call for additional units and EMS
Victims are triaged on site. Some are transported under police escort due to the seriousness of their injuries.
~8:00 p.m. — Area Lockdown & Manhunt Begins
Police confirm:
- Two victims deceased
- Six others injured, including multiple critical cases
- Suspect or suspects fled before officers arrived
A large perimeter is established along Redwood Road and nearby residential areas. Helicopters and K-9 units are deployed.
Late Evening — Public Briefing
Salt Lake City Police confirm:
- No arrests
- No indication (at that time) of a religiously motivated attack
- The shooting appears targeted, not random
Officials emphasize the investigation is fluid and active.
What Police Say About the Suspects (Verified Only)
As of the latest confirmed update:
- Number of suspects: Not publicly confirmed
- Descriptions: Not released
- Motive: Under investigation
- Relationship to victims: Possible personal connection being examined, but not confirmed
Police have cautioned the public not to rely on social media speculation, which has already circulated unverified claims.
Public Safety Guidance Issued After the Shooting
Law enforcement agencies have shared the following specific, actionable guidance with residents:
If You Were in the Area
- Review dashcam, doorbell, or security footage from 7:15–8:15 p.m.
- Preserve original files (do not edit or clip)
- Submit footage directly to police via official channels
For Community Members & Churches
- Increase situational awareness during large gatherings, especially funerals and memorials
- Designate volunteers or staff to monitor parking areas
- Report arguments or disturbances early—before they escalate
(From experience covering similar cases, investigators repeatedly stress that early intervention in parking-lot disputes is one of the most effective violence-prevention steps.)
If You Encounter the Suspect(s)
Police guidance is clear:
- Do not approach
- Call 911 immediately
- Provide location, description, and direction of travel if possible
What Investigators Are Focusing on Now
Based on standard homicide investigations and confirmed statements:
- Video reconstruction
- Church cameras
- Nearby businesses
- Traffic and license-plate readers
- Victim-suspect relationships
- Funeral-related connections
- Known disputes or prior incidents
- Firearms analysis
- Number of weapons used
- Ballistics matching
- Digital trail
- Phone records
- Social media activity (handled cautiously to avoid misinformation)
Editorial Perspective: Why This Case Is Different
Having covered shootings tied to community events, one factor stands out here:
the setting.
Funerals are emotionally charged environments. Tensions run high. Old disputes resurface. When firearms are present, the risk curve spikes sharply.
This incident reinforces a pattern law enforcement quietly acknowledges but rarely headlines:
many mass-casualty shootings begin as personal conflicts, not ideological attacks.
That distinction matters—for prevention, for prosecution, and for public understanding.
