Salt Lake City, Utah — What started as a quiet evening of family mourning for Asi Sekona at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Redwood Road turned into one of the most heartbreaking scenes the community has seen in recent memory. A funeral viewing being held for Sekona — a beloved local resident whose life touched many — was interrupted by gunfire outside, leaving two people dead and six others wounded late Wednesday night.
Friends and relatives had gathered inside the brick meetinghouse, primarily serving members of the Tongan community, to pay their respects to Sekona, a man remembered for his warmth, generosity, and steady presence among those who knew him. Those very same people were caught off guard when sudden shots cracked through the quiet of the church’s parking lot just after 7 p.m.
Witnesses described sheer panic as the sound of gunfire echoed just outside. People inside initially thought the noise was something minor, then the reality hit — friends who moments before were hugging and sharing memories were now scrambling for safety. Bystanders reported seeing loved ones fall and others screaming for help amid the chaos.
Police confirmed that two adults were killed and six others injured in the shooting outside the church. Among the deceased were identified victims Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46, and Sione Vatuvei, 38 — both shot in the violence that erupted in the church’s parking area. Several of the wounded remain in critical condition, with authorities saying all victims were adults.
Law enforcement officers arrived swiftly and established a perimeter, yet as of Thursday authorities had not arrested any suspects. Investigators have said the shooting appears linked to a personal dispute among attendees rather than a random act or an attack on the faith community. Officials noted some indications of gang connections but stressed that the violence was not seen as targeting the church itself.
Across the neighborhood, the air was thick with grief and disbelief. Neighbors rushed to help after the gunfire, shielding the wounded and consoling those who ran outside in shock. Some described the aftermath as surreal — police vehicles, flashing lights, and families desperate for news about missing relatives.
Sekona’s body was later removed from the church as the community braced for his funeral service, scheduled to take place Thursday in Los Angeles, where many of his loved ones reside or will gather to honor his life. In the midst of tragedy, many who knew him spoke of his kindness, his connection to family, and his meaningful relationships.
Across Salt Lake City, officials and church representatives voiced sorrow over an event meant to honor a life being marred by violence. They reiterated that sacred spaces should remain safe, and pledged continued work to find those responsible. For families devastated by loss, the focus now shifts to healing, remembrance, and the hope that such senseless violence never visits another mourning household again.
