At least two people are dead and six others injured following a shooting outside a Mormon church in Utah on Wednesday night.
The horrific act of violence took place in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City at about 7.30pm.
Dozens of people were attending a funeral viewing inside the building at the time. All the victims were adults.
Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson Glen Mills said an active manhunt is underway to find the shooter or shooters but the force’s Gang Unit is involved.
Police have not released a description of the suspects or their vehicle however at least one person was taken into custody just before 10pm.
‘We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion but we also don’t believe that it was random,’ Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd during a late night press conference.
Chief Redd confirmed detectives specializing in gang violence were also on scene.
Devastated family members were in shock at what had happened.
‘I was inside at the funeral viewing, then I walked out side and all my cousins were on the floor after getting shot,’ one shocked family member who did not wish to give his name said to ABC4.
Friends and family hugged one another after a fatal shooting in a parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night
Police are seen responding to the fatal shooting in the parking lot of the church
Officers are seen on the scene behind a security cordon at the church
‘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,’ he added.
Another family member also appeared shaken as they tried to understand what had happened.
‘It’s cruel. It’s a cruel world, especially at a funeral. It’s not right. It’s not fair,’ an unidentified family member told ABC4.
‘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,’ the woman said through tears.
‘The situation still is very fluid,’ police spokesperson, Mills, said adding there were at least eight victims, including two who tragically died.
Three more remain in critical condition, while the conditions of at least three others is currently unknown.
The city’s mayor was also at the scene and vowed to work to catch those responsible.
‘This should have happened outside a place or worship, at a celebration of life. We know this impacts the victims and their families but the entire community,’ Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said.
‘We are not going to rest until those individuals responsible are brought to justice. We will find them. They will be brought to justice,’ Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, left, and the city’s mayor Erin Mendenhall gave a joint press conference late on Wednesday night
People attending a funeral at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City leave after a fatal shooting in the parking lot
Police are seen responding to a fatal shooting that left two people dead in the parking lot
The horrific act of violence took place in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City about 7.30pm
One family member explained how a funeral viewing had been taking place for their cousin
A second family member broke down in tears while speaking to reporters on scene
About 100 law enforcement vehicles were at the scene in the aftermath, and helicopters could be heard flying overhead.
Video from the scene showed the large number of emergency response vehicles with their lights flashing.
Police said the situation was also complicated by the fact that several victims were taken to hospital in a private vehicle.
‘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. The Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is grateful for the efforts of first responders,’ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement.
‘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.’
Police responded to an ‘active shooter’ call just after 7:30pm on Wednesday night
A hearse could be seen leaving the scene of the shooting following the killing of two people in the church parking lot
The area the site of shooting was blocked off by police
Law enforcement were seen on site until late into the night as they worked the investigation
The incident occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 660 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah
The church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, and about half of Utah’s 3.5 million residents are members of the faith.
Churches like the one where the shooting occurred can be found in towns throughout the city and state.
The faith has been on heightened alert since four people were killed when a former Marine opened fire in a Michigan church last month and set it ablaze.
The FBI found that he was motivated by ‘anti-religious beliefs’ against the church.
The surrounding area is expected to remain closed until at least 1am local time with local residents being prevented from returning to their homes until police deem the area safe.
