Deadly Gunfire Erupts Outside Funeral Service Wednesday Night As Police Launch Active Manhunt
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 1:15 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
SALT LAKE CITY, UT.- Two people were killed and six others wounded Wednesday night, January 7, 2026, in a shooting outside a church in northwest Salt Lake City, according to law enforcement officials. The violence unfolded in the parking lot of a meetinghouse belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where a funeral service was underway at the time.
Authorities confirmed Thursday morning that the suspect remains at large, and an active manhunt is continuing.
Police with the Salt Lake City Police Department said they received multiple emergency calls shortly after 7:30 p.m. local time, reporting gunfire near the church located along Redwood Road. Officers and emergency medical personnel arrived to find multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Investigators said eight adults were struck by gunfire. Two victims were pronounced dead either at the scene or shortly after being transported to area hospitals. Of the six injured survivors, three remain in critical condition, while the remaining three are being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police officials have identified the deceased individuals as Sione Vatuvei, 38, and Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to police, the shooting occurred outside the building while mourners were gathered for a funeral service inside the church. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots in rapid succession, triggering panic among attendees and nearby residents.
Authorities stressed that, based on current evidence, there is no indication the shooting was a religiously motivated or targeted attack against the church or its members. Brian Redd, Chief of Police, told reporters that investigators are still working to determine the motive and circumstances leading up to the shooting.
“This remains an active and fluid investigation,” Redd said. “We are pursuing multiple leads, reviewing surveillance footage, and analyzing license plate reader data as part of our efforts to identify and locate the suspect.”
Residents in the surrounding area described a heavy law enforcement presence in the hours following the shooting, with more than a hundred police vehicles, crime scene units, and at least one helicopter deployed as officers secured the area and searched for the suspect. Nearby streets were temporarily closed while investigators processed the scene.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, calling it a devastating incident in a place meant for peace and remembrance.
“This should never have happened outside a place of worship, and it should never have happened outside a celebration of life,” Mendenhall said in a statement Wednesday night. “Our hearts are with the families who are grieving and with those fighting for their lives tonight.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also issued a statement expressing sorrow and gratitude for the rapid response of first responders, noting the profound pain caused by violence at a location intended for worship and mourning.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the shooting, including video footage or tips about the suspect’s whereabouts, to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department immediately. Officials warned that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Editor’s Note:
This article reflects verified information provided by law enforcement officials and public statements as of the time of publication. Details may evolve as the investigation continues and authorities release additional information.
