A memorial service turned into a scene of tragedy on Wednesday night, January 7, 2026, when a shooting broke out in the parking lot of a Rose Park meetinghouse belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Incident Overview
The shooting occurred at approximately 7:36 p.m. at the church located at 660 North Redwood Road. Inside, a large group had gathered to honor a member of the local Tongan community.
According to Salt Lake City Police, a physical altercation began in the rear parking lot during the service. The fight rapidly escalated, resulting in multiple gunshots being fired.
Casualties and Injuries
The toll of the violence includes:
- Fatalities: Two adults were pronounced dead.
- Injuries: Six others were wounded.
- Condition: Three of the survivors remain in critical condition as of Thursday morning.
The Investigation
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd has clarified several key points regarding the ongoing investigation:
- Not a Hate Crime: Authorities do not believe the church or the religion itself was the target.
- Gang Unit Involvement: Because of the nature of the altercation, the department’s gang unit is leading the inquiry.
- Suspect Search: Police are actively searching for a gray or silver sedan that was seen speeding away from the scene.
