SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 7, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Two people are dead, three are in critical condition and three others are in unknown condition after a shooting in the parking lot of a church at 660 N. Redwood Road.
Salt Lake City police were dispatched at about 7:36 p.m. to a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said Glen Mills, spokesman for the SLCPD.
There was a funeral taking place at the church, and the shootings happened in the church parking lot, reportedly behind the building.
“There was some sort of altercation, and that’s when shots were fired,” Mills told reporters at the scene.
“We know that there are at least eight victims. I can confirm that two of them have died, three of them are in critical condition, and three others are in unknown condition. Part of the issue here is that some of the victims were taken by a private vehicle to a local hospital and dropped off before we were able to arrive.
“When police did arrive on scene, police and fire, the suspects had fled at that time.”
Photo: Patrick Benedict / Gephardt Daily
Mills said police have leads on the suspect or suspects.
“The suspect vehicle description is fairly vague at this time, but it was last seen going up north on Redwood Road. So the parameter right now is 500 North to 700 North here on Redwood Road, extending out to the Jordan River, and that’s where our search is centered out at this time.”
Mills asks that if anyone has any video or information that might help in the investigation, “we do want to hear from them.”
Mills said the exact number of suspects is still unknown.
Photo: Patrick Benedict / Gephardt Daily
Asked if there was any danger to the general public, Mills said, “Obviously, someone who did what just took place here is a dangerous individual, and we do want to get them off the streets as soon as possible.
“But again, I want to emphasize we are getting some good, solid leads on this, and I can hopefully have more information for you really soon, on suspects.”
Multiple people, including families with small children, remained in the church during the early investigation, until officers knew they could be safely released.
Photo: Patrick Benedict / Gephardt Daily
Mills said he had no information at that point whether the shootings were related to the funeral gathering, or whether gang activity was suspected.
Update
In a subsequent news briefing, SLCPD Chief Brian Redd offered condolences to the families of the victims. He also confirmed that all who were shot were of adult age.
Redd also said a number of people have been detained, but the suspect or suspects are not believed to be in custody. Redd said dozens of people from inside the church are being interviewed to see if they have information.
Redd said it was too early to say if the incident was gang-related, but gang detectives were looking into it.
“We don’t believe, at this point that this was random,” he said, when asked if there may have been a relationship between the shooter or shooters and those who were shot.
Redd said police agencies from around the Salt Lake Valley responded, and many remained on scene hours after the shootings.
“I think that’s one of the great things about Utah, is that when an incident like this occurs, we all come together, because this was called out as an active shooter. That’s what elicited the type of response.”
Photo: Patrick Benedict / Gephardt Daily
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also spoke to reporters.
“This should never have happened,” she said. “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. It should not have happened at a celebration of life that was occurring inside of the church tonight.
“Our condolences continue to grow, and we know that this impacts not only those victims and their families, the community that was at the church, but the entire community here in Salt Lake City and on the west side.”
She thanked Salt Lake City police and Salt Lake City firefighters for their work at the scene. Mendenhall said they “have been great partners in collaborating in this incident, and are not going to rest until the individuals responsible are brought to justice full stop.
“No matter where they go, we will find them.”
Redd asked anyone who may have helpful information to call dispatch at 799-3000 and to call 911 in case of emergency.
Redd said police will hold another media update in the morning. Gephardt Daily will share additional information as it is confirmed.
