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Mormons Asked Not to Discuss Incident Online, Orem LDS Stake Evacuated


An email sent to members of the Orem Utah Lakeview Stake on July 19, 2026, informed congregants that an individual carrying a firearm was observed inside the stake center earlier that morning, prompting an immediate evacuation of the building.

According to the message, the incident occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. The individual was reportedly sitting on a sofa in the foyer with a gun beside him. Orem police responded to the scene, took the individual into custody, and planned to have him undergo a mental health evaluation.

One portion of the email warrants particular attention. Members were instructed "to not post information online regarding the incident and allow the Church to manage the public information." While organizations often try to ensure accurate communication during emergencies, critics may question whether asking members to refrain from discussing a public safety incident places institutional message control ahead of transparency.

Lucifer's Lantern received a screenshot of the email from a member of the stake. (Highlight added)


The email also reminded members of Church policy prohibiting firearms and other lethal weapons on Church property, including concealed weapons, with an exception for current law enforcement officers. Members were instructed to avoid approaching armed individuals, notify local Church leadership immediately, and evacuate the building if directed.

At the time of writing, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not published any public statement or newsroom release regarding the incident. Aside from the email distributed to local members, there appears to have been no official public communication from the Church about the evacuation or the events that prompted it.

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