Two Killed, Six Injured in Shooting Outside LDS Meetinghouse in Salt Lake City

 Authorities in Salt Lake City are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred outside a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday evening, January 7, 2026. Two men were killed and six other adults were injured after gunfire erupted in a parking lot during a memorial service.

Police said the incident does not appear to be a random attack and emphasized there is no indication the church or the Latter-day Saint faith was targeted.

Two Killed, Six Injured in Shooting Outside LDS Meetinghouse in Salt Lake City

Shooting During Memorial Service

The shooting took place around 7:30 p.m. at the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse, located at 660 North Redwood Road. At the time, a memorial service for an unidentified individual was being held inside the building.

According to police, multiple people were gathered in the parking lot when a dispute escalated into gunfire. Officers responded to reports of shots fired and found several individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Authorities said the situation unfolded quickly and involved people who were known to each other.

Victims Identified

Police identified the two men killed in the shooting as Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Six other adults were injured and transported to area hospitals. As of Wednesday, January 8, three of the injured individuals remained in critical condition. Officials noted that some victims arrived at hospitals in private vehicles rather than by ambulance, complicating initial response efforts.

No additional identifying details about the injured victims have been released.

Dispute Not Random, Police Say

Investigators said preliminary findings indicate the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute among individuals attending the memorial service. Police believe gunfire was exchanged between two or more parties during the confrontation.

Officials stressed that the incident was not random and was not directed at the church or its congregation. Law enforcement leaders said there is no ongoing threat to the general public related to the shooting.

Authorities have not released details about what led to the dispute or how many firearms may have been involved.

Search for Suspects Continues

As of January 8, no arrests have been made, and the shooter or shooters remain at large. Police are searching for more than one vehicle believed to have fled the scene shortly after the gunfire.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and working to identify those involved. The Salt Lake City Police Department’s gang unit has joined the investigation after officials said there are indications that some individuals connected to the incident may have gang ties.

Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and that no final conclusions have been reached regarding motive or affiliations.

Investigation Challenges and Public Appeal

Chief Brian Redd said investigators are facing challenges, including limited cooperation from some witnesses and injured individuals. Police are urging anyone who was present at the memorial service or in the area at the time of the shooting to come forward.

Authorities said community cooperation will be critical in determining exactly what happened and identifying those responsible.

The church building has since reopened, and officials said counseling resources are being offered to those affected by the incident.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact Salt Lake City police.