Sione Vatuvei, Vaea TulikihihifoSalt Lake City, UT — The Salt Lake community is grieving after a deadly shooting outside a church, in which 38‑year‑old Sione Vatuvei was identified as one of the victims who died from gunshot wounds, according to police. The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday night in the parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints on Redwood Road, where a funeral service was being held inside.
Police confirmed that two people were killed, including Vatuvei, and six others were wounded, with at least three in critical condition. Authorities said the shooting followed an altercation in the church parking area and that the victims were all adults. No arrests have been announced, though investigators are actively pursuing leads as part of an expanding investigation.
The shooting has deeply affected both the local Tongan congregation that attends the meetinghouse and the broader Salt Lake City community. Leaders from the church expressed their sorrow, stressing that places of worship should remain sanctuaries free from violence. Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Police Chief Brian Redd also offered condolences and vowed that law enforcement will continue working to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Tributes to Vatuvei and the other victim, 46‑year‑old Vaea Tulikihihifo, have begun appearing from friends and community members, who remember them as individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. As the investigation continues and more details emerge, families and loved ones are asking for privacy and support during this difficult time.
The incident is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities, especially at a moment intended for mourning and remembrance. Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
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