Neighbors concerned for victims in shooting outside church building, eager to see suspects face justice

Neighbors described frantic moments as shots rang out and officers swarmed the area. Some ducked for cover, fearing bullets might pierce their homes.

“When you see something like that and it’s right next door, it’s terrifying because bullets can go anywhere,” said Thomas Hurrington, who has lived in Rose Park for years. “I didn’t know what was going on.”

Police believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two groups, and investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the public. That assurance has helped calm fears for many residents, though some remain uneasy.

“I’ve lived here 10 years. We haven’t seen anything like that before,” said Veronica Estrada. “I felt safe, but because it was so close to my house, I don’t know if I feel safe now.”

Hurrington said the quick police response helped restore his sense of security. Still, neighbors expressed concern for those injured and for mourners who had gathered at the church before the violence.

“Especially in a vulnerable state, lots of people going through emotional problems there, and have to deal with this too, on top of all that,” Hurrington said. “That’s got to be tragic.”

Hurrington says he’s never feared for his safety in the many years he’s lived in the Rose Park area. He says he’s confident the community will come together in the aftermath.

This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL’s editorial standards are upheld.