SALT LAKE CITY – It was quiet and calm on the first Sunday after the terrible shooting at the LDS meetinghouse on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City. People remembered the victims and showed their respect, even though regular services were not held at that place that Sunday.
What Happened at the LDS Meetinghouse
On a Wednesday, police got a call about a shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints meetinghouse near 660 N. Redwood Rd. When officers reached the scene, they found that an argument had started in the parking lot while a funeral was happening inside the church. That argument turned into a shooting.
Two people lost their lives in the shooting and eight others were hurt and taken to the hospital. The community was shocked and saddened by this violent event.
First Sunday After the Tragedy
ABC4 visited the meetinghouse on the first Sunday after the shooting. Instead of the usual busy parking lot filled with cars and people, it was empty and quiet. The church property looked calm, with no normal Sunday crowd coming and going.
According to a statement from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, the Rose Park 5th Ward still held their regular Sunday service, but not at the Redwood Road meetinghouse. They moved the service to a different location out of respect for the victims and to give space for the community to remember those who died.
Memorials for the Victims
Even though regular worship services were moved, many people still came to the meetinghouse grounds to pay their respects. On the church property, you could see flowers, candles, teddy bears, and handwritten notes placed in many spots. These memorial items showed love, sympathy, and sorrow from people who came to honour the victims.
The names of those who died were there in many of the notes and flowers. Among those remembered most were:
- Sione Vatuvei, age 38
- Vaea Tulikihihif Jr., age 46
Both men passed away because of the shooting, and the community left many messages and tributes in their memory. The six others who were injured were also acknowledged and prayed for by many who visited the memorial.
Community Response and Support
People from all over the local area came to the meetinghouse grounds to show support and respect. Some left flowers, others posted messages on cards, and many just stood quietly, thinking about how sad and unexpected the event was.
Local residents, members of different religious groups, and even strangers who wanted to show kindness came together. Many offered help to the injured, prayed for peace, and asked for strong action from the police.
Police Request for Information
Police are still investigating the shooting. They are asking anyone who has information related to this crime to come forward. If you know anything that could help solve the case, the Salt Lake City Police ask you to call 801‑799‑3000. Sharing information can help the authorities bring justice and support families affected by this tragedy.
What This Means for the Neighbourhood
Events like this can leave a deep impact on a community. People feel sadness, fear, and confusion after such violence. But community members have also shown strength, support, and unity by gathering together for memorials, praying together, and helping each other through grief.
The quiet Sunday at the Redwood Road meetinghouse showed respect and reflection. Families and friends of the victims, members of the church, and people from the community came together in spirit even if they were not inside for worship.
