Tragedy struck outside a Mormon church in Utah on Wednesday night, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others after a shooting incident.

The violent event unfolded at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City.

Inside the building, a funeral viewing was taking place with dozens of attendees. All the victims of the shooting were adults.

Glen Mills, a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department, announced that a vigorous manhunt is in progress to capture those responsible. The department’s Gang Unit is actively involved in the investigation.

While details about the suspects or their vehicle have not been disclosed, authorities did apprehend at least one individual shortly before 10 p.m.

‘We don’t believe this was a targeted attack based on religion but we also don’t believe that it was random,’ Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd during a late night press conference,

Chief Redd confirmed detectives specializing in gang violence were on scene.

Devastated family members were in shock at what had happened. 

‘I was inside at the funeral viewing, then I walked out side and all my cousins were on the floor after getting shot,’ one shocked family member who did not wish to give his name said to ABC4.

Friends and family hugged one another after a fatal shooting in a parking lot of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night

Police are seen responding to the fatal shooting in the parking lot of the church 

Officers are seen on the scene behind a security cordon at the church

‘Tonight was a funeral viewing for one of my cousins who died just a few days ago – but I guess there’s going to be a few more funerals now,’ he added.

Another family member also appeared shaken as they tried to understand what had happened. 

‘It’s cruel. It’s a cruel world, especially at a funeral. It’s not right. It’s not fair,’ an unidentified family member told ABC4.

‘I was in the bathroom of the church when all of a sudden I heard screaming. [After hearing the gunshots] I looked for my dad and my mom. Everything was just everywhere all at once,’ the woman said through tears. 

‘The situation still is very fluid,’ police spokesperson, Mills, said adding there were at least eight victims, including two who tragically died.

Three more remain in critical condition, while the conditions of at least three others is currently unknown.

The city’s mayor was also at the scene and vowed to work to catch those responsible.

‘We are not going to rest until those responsible are brought to justice. We will find them. They will be brought to justice,’ Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd, left, and the city’s mayor Erin Mendenhall gave a joint press conference late on Wednesday night

People attending a funeral at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City leave after a fatal shooting in the parking lot 

The horrific act of violence took place in the parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City about 7.30pm

One family member explained how a funeral viewing had been taking place for their cousin

A second family member broke down in tears while speaking to reporters on scene

A hearse could be seen leaving the scene of the shooting following the killing of two people in the church parking lot

The area the site of shooting was blocked off by police

Law enforcement were seen on site until late into the night as they worked the investigation

The incident occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 660 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah

Video from the scene showed a large number of emergency response vehicles with flashing lights. 

Police said the situation was also complicated by the fact that several victims were taken to hospital in a private vehicle.

‘We are aware of a serious incident that occurred outside a Church meetinghouse at 660 North Redwood Road in Salt Lake City tonight as a memorial service was being held in the chapel. The Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is grateful for the efforts of first responders,’ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement. 

‘Until more information is available, all questions about this incident are being directed to the Salt Lake City Police Department. We extend prayers for all who have been impacted by this tragedy and express deep concern that any sacred space intended for worship should be subjected to violence of any kind.’

The surrounding area is expected to remain closed until at least 1am local time with local residents being prevented from returning to their homes until police deem the area safe.