Salt Lake City LDS Deadly Shooting: Two Lost Their Lives, Six Sustained Injuries During Asi Sekona's Funeral Ceremony at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 A shooting that occurred outside a church in Salt Lake City resulted in two fatalities and six injuries on Wednesday evening as people gathered for a memorial service, officials reported.

The incident began around 7:36 p.m. in the parking lot of a meetinghouse belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 660 North Redwood Road. Family and friends were present for a memorial service honoring Asi Sekona. According to law enforcement, a dispute broke out in the parking lot while the service was happening inside, leading to the discharge of firearms during the altercation.

Witnesses indicated they heard shots fired during the funeral proceedings. The Salt Lake City Police confirmed that a total of eight adults sustained injuries. Two individuals were declared dead at the location. Three others were urgently taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition, while the other victims were transported to hospitals by private means. Their names have not been disclosed.

Glen Mills, a representative for the Salt Lake City Police, stated that investigators suspect the shooting was intentional, although they do not think it was driven by religious motivations or aimed at the church itself.

“We do not consider this to be an attack directed at a faith,” remarked Police Chief Brian Redd, noting that investigators also do not view the shooting as a random act.

The perpetrator or perpetrators escaped in a northern direction on Redwood Road before police arrived. As of late Wednesday night, no arrests had been made, and a manhunt was actively in progress. Redwood Road remained closed for several hours while officers examined the site and gathered evidence, with the closure anticipated to continue into the early morning hours.

Various law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, including the gang unit, are contributing to the investigation. Authorities reported that a vehicle associated with the suspect has been identified, but as of 11 p.m. Wednesday, no one was taken into custody. The next official briefing was anticipated for Thursday morning.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement recognizing the event and confirmed it transpired outside the meetinghouse during a memorial service. Church officials expressed their willingness to assist law enforcement, thanked first responders, and extended prayers to those affected, characterizing the violence as profoundly concerning in a place designated for worship and contemplation.

After the shooting, Sekona’s body was removed from the building so that funeral arrangements could proceed, with services planned for Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. Sekona was cherished by family and friends as a dedicated husband to Naioka Tilini Sekona.

Law enforcement is requesting that anyone who witnessed the shooting or possesses information related to the event reach out to Salt Lake City Police. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released as it becomes available.