Two people have been killed in a shooting outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City Utah United States in an attack that has shocked the local community.
Police say the gunfire broke out in the car park of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse where people had gathered for a funeral service. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as chaos unfolded with multiple victims found suffering from gunshot wounds.
Authorities confirmed that two people died at the scene while several others were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Some of the wounded are reported to be in serious condition.
Law enforcement quickly sealed off the area and launched a large-scale response including helicopters and armed patrols as officers searched for those responsible. Police have not yet announced any arrests and say the investigation is ongoing.
Officials say the shooting does not appear to be a random attack and is not believed to have targeted the church because of its religious identity. However the motive behind the violence remains unclear.
City leaders and church officials have condemned the attack calling it a tragic act of violence in a place meant for peace and remembrance.
As investigators work to piece together what happened the community in Salt Lake City United States is mourning the victims and waiting for answer.
