At least two killed in shooting outside Mormon church in Salt Lake City

"Two people were killed and several injured in a shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City, Utah police said on Wednesday. The shooting took place in the parking lot of a meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church. Among at least eight adult victims, two died of their injuries, the police said, while three of the survivors were critical. The medical condition of the other victims was not known."

"Dozens of people were attending a funeral inside at the time. All the victims were adults. Police said they do not believe the shooter had any animus toward a particular faith. We don't believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that, the Salt Lake City police chief, Brian Redd, said. Police also do not believe the shooting was random. Authorities said no suspect was in custody. About 100 law enforcement vehicles attended the scene, and helicopters flew overhead."

"This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life, the mayor, Erin Mendenhall, said. The church was cooperating with law enforcement and was grateful for efforts first responders' efforts, a spokesperson said. 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, Sam Penrod said in a statement."

A shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Salt Lake City, killing two adults and injuring several others. At least eight adult victims were wounded; three survivors were in critical condition and the medical status of other victims was unknown. Dozens of people were attending a funeral inside at the time. Police said they do not believe the shooter targeted a particular faith and also do not believe the shooting was random. No suspect was in custody. About 100 law enforcement vehicles and helicopters responded. City leaders and church officials expressed sorrow, cooperation with investigators, and prayers for those affected. The faith has been on heightened alert after a recent Michigan church attack motivated by anti-religious beliefs.

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