A memorial service turned into a tragedy on a Wednesday night when gunfire erupted outside a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Salt Lake City’s Jordan Meadows neighborhood, according to a report published October 12. The shooting resulted in two deaths and left six others injured, with three individuals reported to be in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. at the Rose Park 5th Ward meetinghouse located on 660 N. Redwood Road. According to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, the shooter or shooters fled north on Redwood Road immediately following the incident. As of 10 p.m., no suspects were in custody. Law enforcement officials are currently reviewing license plate reader data from 700 North and Redwood Road, as well as surveillance footage from businesses in the vicinity. While authorities stated they do not believe the incident was a random act or a targeted attack against the church, a specific motive has not been determined.
The victims are believed to be part of the local Tongan community, as the meetinghouse primarily serves Tongan congregants. Susi Feltch-Malohifoou, CEO of Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources (PIK2AR), a nonprofit focused on violence prevention in Utah's Polynesian communities, expressed deep sorrow regarding the tragedy. Feltch-Malohifoou noted that while her organization works to eliminate gang influence, it is too early to determine if gang activity played a role in this specific incident.
Sam Penrod, a spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a statement expressing deep concern and noting that the church is cooperating with law enforcement. The spokesperson expressed prayers for those impacted and stated that sacred spaces intended for worship should not be subjected to violence. The incident has raised questions regarding the safety of sacred spaces and the impact of violence on Utah's Pacific Islander population, which includes approximately 60,000 individuals, 39% of whom are Tongan.
