Oquirrh Mountain LDS Temple gunman identified

Police on Monday identified the man an officer shot and killed outside the Oquirrh Mountain LDS Temple on Christmas Day.

Daniel M. Pogue, 54, was carrying a shotgun and pointing it at people in the area, said Lt. Dan Starks of the South Jordan Police Department. He also was carrying a machete and chopping at the fence surrounding the building.

Pogue had two other shotguns, one rifle, three swords and a machete in his vehicle, which was parked near the temple. When police arrived, Pogue grabbed a shotgun from his car and hid behind the vehicle. He disregarded police commands, and ran in the direction of bystanders. Officers were concerned for the safety of the bystanders, and fired a single bullet at Pogue, Starks said. Pogue was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pogue's shotgun was loaded, and he had ammunition on him. He also had 50 rounds of ammunition for the other guns.

His family has indicated Pogue has a history of mental illness, but the extent of that mental illness is still unknown, Starks said.

The officer, whom police will not identify until the investigation by the Salt Lake District Attorney's Office is complete, is on paid administrative leave as per department policy.

smcfarland@sltrib.com