A shooting outside a church in Salt Lake City on October 4, 2023, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left six others injured. The incident occurred during funeral services at a facility belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon church. Authorities reported that the violence stemmed from a dispute among attendees who were known to each other.
The victims, identified as Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46, and Sione Vatuvei, 38, were pronounced dead at the scene. Among the injured, five individuals remain hospitalized, with at least three in critical condition. As of midday Thursday, no arrests had been made, and police are struggling to gather information from unwilling witnesses.
Police Response and Community Impact
According to Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, the police face challenges due to a complicated crime scene and a lack of cooperation from witnesses. Redd emphasized the sanctity of places of worship, stating, “Our houses of worship are sacred, whatever the affiliation. We should all protect those spaces. We should all respect those spaces.”
The shooting unfolded in a church parking lot, primarily serving Tongan congregants, and is noted for conducting services in the Tongan language. Missionaries associated with the church first arrived in Tonga in the early 1890s, and its membership has since expanded to around 68,000 across 175 congregations.
Residents from a nearby housing complex rushed to assist victims following the gunfire. Local resident Brennan McIntire described the moment he heard the shots while watching television with his wife, saying, “As soon as I came over, I see someone on the ground. People are attending to him and crying and arguing.” His wife, Kenna McIntire, expressed her shock at witnessing first responders carry an unconscious woman into an ambulance.
Law Enforcement Actions and Community Reactions
In the aftermath, approximately 100 law enforcement vehicles were dispatched to the scene, while helicopters hovered above. Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage and license plate data from nearby businesses as they continue their investigation.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall condemned the violence, stating, “This should never have happened outside a place of worship. This should never have happened outside a celebration of life.” The church has expressed its gratitude for the swift response from first responders and has extended prayers for all affected by the incident.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has a significant presence in Utah with about half of the state’s 3.5 million residents identifying as members, has heightened security measures following previous acts of violence targeted at their congregations. This includes a shocking incident in September, when a former Marine killed four people at a church in Michigan, motivated by anti-religious sentiments against Latter-day Saints.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains shaken by the events of the past few days. Local authorities continue to seek leads while encouraging cooperation from witnesses to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
