Asi Sekona
Police in Salt Lake City are investigating a shooting that broke out during a funeral viewing on Wednesday night, leaving two people dead and at least six others injured. The incident occurred outside a viewing being held for Asi Sekona at a chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on North Redwood Road. According to posts shared by friends and family online, the viewing was under way when an active shooter call was made to emergency dispatchers.
Police say gunfire erupted in the church parking lot, striking multiple people. Two adults were pronounced dead at the scene, while at least six others were taken to hospital with injuries. Authorities have confirmed that all of the victims are adults. As of 11:00pm on Wednesday, Salt Lake City Police said no suspect or suspects were in custody. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted but stressed there is no indication it was motivated by religion.
The chapel where the viewing was held serves two Tongan congregations — Riverside 2nd Ward and Rose Park 5th Ward — and community leaders say the incident has deeply shaken local members. Following the shooting, Sekona’s body was removed from the building. Funeral services are now expected to continue in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday, according to family sources.
A large police presence remained in the area overnight as officers secured the scene and collected evidence. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the metro gang unit, are jointly leading the investigation. In a brief statement, police urged the public to avoid speculation as detectives work to establish the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Officers are reviewing witness accounts and surveillance footage from the surrounding area.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact police. An official update on the investigation is expected at 10:00am on Thursday. The shooting has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a time of mourning and remembrance, with community members expressing grief not only for the loss of Asi Sekona, but also for the violence that followed during a moment of collective mourning.
