In a tragic incident outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City, two individuals lost their lives, and at least six others sustained injuries following a shooting, authorities disclosed.

The unsettling event unfolded in the parking lot of the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse, a site belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mourners were gathered there for a memorial service on Wednesday night when the gunfire broke out, as reported by the Salt Lake Tribune. When law enforcement officers arrived shortly after 7:30 p.m., the assailant had already fled.

According to investigators, the perpetrator or perpetrators made their escape from the sacred grounds, likely heading north on Redwood Road. As of Thursday morning, no suspects have been apprehended or identified in connection with the incident.

Expressing her dismay, Mayor Erin Mendenhall stated, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.” Her sentiments echoed the community’s shock and grief.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd confirmed that all of the victims were shot outside the church premises. Sadly, two people succumbed to their injuries. Among the injured, three individuals were reported to be in critical condition by Thursday morning. The health status of the remaining three victims remains uncertain, as they were transported to hospitals by private means, Redd explained.

The identities of the victims have not been released, but it has been confirmed that they were all adults. The investigation continues as authorities seek to bring those responsible to justice.

“We don’t believe this was a targeted attack against a religion or anything like that,” Redd told reporters in wake of the deadly shooting, noting that investigators do not believe it to be a random incident either.

According to the church’s website, it primarily serves Tongan congregants and holds regular worship services in their native language.

An investigation into the matter is ongoing. Redd said investigators are combing through surveillance video from nearby businesses and looking at license plate readers on Redwood Road and 700 North. He added that several people have been detained for questioning, but none of them have been officially labeled a suspect.

With News Wire Services