1 Killed and 2 Critically Injured After Shooting Erupts Outside Funeral

One person was killed and two others were critically injured after gunfire erupted during a funeral near a church in Kearns, Utah, on Monday morning.

Police were already at the scene before the service because organizers had warned there could be trouble, according to authorities.

Officers were stationed near the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house at 5015 South 4620 West when they heard shots at around 11:30 a.m.

One victim was found lying in the middle of the road outside the church.

That person was rushed to a hospital but later died from their injuries.

A second victim was reportedly placed inside a vehicle that sped away from the area.

Police chased the vehicle and eventually boxed it in near the intersection of 4700 South and 4000 West in nearby West Valley City.

A third victim was found at the church and also rushed to the hospital.

Authorities said both surviving victims were in critical condition.

Unified Police Department Assistant Chief Justin Hoyal said all three victims were male, but officials did not immediately release their names or ages.

The shooting triggered lockdowns at several nearby schools, including Kearns Junior High School, West Kearns Elementary and David Gourley Elementary.

The lockdowns were put in place as a precaution while police searched the area and investigated what happened.

During the lockdown, doors were secured and no one was allowed to enter or leave the schools, though classes reportedly continued inside.

Parents were told not to come to the campuses.

The lockdowns were lifted shortly before 12:30 p.m.

Police also shut down roads near the church and the hospital as officers worked the scene.

Investigators are now looking into whether gang activity may have played a role in the shooting.

Hoyal said police had been asked to attend the funeral specifically because organizers feared a “problem” could break out during the service.

A funeral flyer reportedly indicated that the service was being held for a man who had been shot and killed at a Riverton gas station the previous week after entering the business with a gun.

Police have not confirmed whether Monday’s shooting was connected to that earlier killing.

The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine who opened fire and what sparked the violence.

Kearns is located just south of Salt Lake City.