In a shocking incident that has left the Salt Lake City community reeling, a shooting outside a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others. The shooting occurred on the evening of January 7, 2026, as congregants were gathering for an evening service. Local law enforcement responded to the scene shortly after the first shots were fired, but by the time they arrived, the chaos had already unfolded. Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as people tried to flee the area while others rushed to help the wounded. Authorities have confirmed that the two victims who lost their lives were both members of the church, aged 30 and 32. The injured, who range in age from 18 to 50, were transported to nearby hospitals where several remain in critical condition. Salt Lake City Police Chief, Mike Brown, addressed the media in a press conference early Sunday morning, expressing his sorrow over the tragic event. "This is a senseless act of violence that has shattered our community. We are working diligently to understand how and why this happened, and to bring those responsible to justice," he stated. Initial reports suggest that the shooting may have stemmed from a personal dispute rather than a hate crime or a targeted attack on the church. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Police have not yet released the identity of the shooter, nor have they confirmed whether the shooter is among the deceased or injured. Members of Utah's federal delegation have publicly expressed their grief and shock in the wake of the shooting. Senator Mitt Romney took to social media to extend his condolences to the victims' families, stating, "There is no way to make sense of this tragedy. My heart goes out to all affected and to the brave first responders who rushed to the scene. We must come together as a community to support each other during this horrific time." Utah Representative Burgess Owens also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of such violence. "We cannot let fear divide us. We must stand together, support one another, and work towards healing in our community. Our prayers are with the victims and their families during this unimaginable time," he said. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and extending love and support to the victims and their families. "We are heartbroken by the violence that has occurred within our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this tragic event. We encourage everyone to come together in love and compassion," the statement read. As investigations continue, community leaders are calling for increased dialogue on gun violence and community safety. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall spoke at a vigil held outside the church the following evening, where hundreds gathered to honor the victims. "We need to reflect on what has happened and how we can prevent such tragedies in the future. It’s time to come together not only to mourn but to take action to ensure our neighborhoods are safe for everyone," she urged. Public safety experts have pointed out that incidents of gun violence have been on the rise in many parts of the country, and this tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive discussions surrounding gun control measures. Salt Lake City has seen a few high-profile incidents of violence in the past, but this shooting has struck a particularly sensitive chord as it occurred in a place of worship, a sanctuary for many. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this violence, mental health resources are being mobilized to provide support for those affected. Local organizations are offering counseling and support services for anyone struggling to process the events of the past few days. Community leaders are urging anyone in need of assistance to reach out and seek help as they navigate their feelings of grief and confusion. This tragic shooting has sent shockwaves through Salt Lake City and beyond, prompting discussions about safety, community resilience, and the need for change. As more details emerge, the community stands united in mourning and in hope for healing. Funeral services for the victims are expected to be held later in the week, with many in the community preparing to come together to honor their lives and support each other through this challenging time.