This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Religious leaders from around Utah addressed a supportive message to the family of a teenage boy who was shot by Salt Lake City police last week.

Police shot Abdullahi Omar Mohamed, 17, on Saturday at 250 S. Rio Grande St., near a homeless shelter. On Friday, religious leaders, including Christian, Buddhist and Jewish clergy, wrote a letter of support to Mohamed's family and community, praying for his full recovery.

"Utah has often led the nation in opening its doors to immigrants. As clergy, it is our hope and for many of us, our work, that immigrant families find a safe home among us," the letter reads.

"We pray with you and your spiritual leaders that God's arms be around you. Our ancestors, too, came from many places and struggled to make a home in a sometimes harsh landscape. It is our hope that this tragedy be followed by much kindness that will affirm this land as your home. Sadly, incidents like these show us where we are lacking and ask us to transform into a more welcoming city, state and country that is a safe haven for all people."

Police have said Abdullahi Mohamed and another person were using "metal objects" to attack a "male victim" when officers shot Abdullahi Mohamed. However, police have declined to discuss the victim further or say whether he was injured or treated by emergency responders, who he is, his relationship to Abdullahi Mohamed and the other man, or whether he was interviewed.

Meanwhile, a friend of Abdullahi Mohamed who said she was with him has challenged officers' account. Selam Mohammad said Abdullahi Mohamed and another man fought with pieces of a broken broom after the other man harassed her. She said she was trying to break up the fight when officers arrived, but neither she nor any bystanders was struck or threatened by the broomstick pieces.

Prosecutors are not releasing body-camera video from the shooting until they decide whether the shooting was legally justified.

mmcfall@sltrib.com

Twitter: @MikeyPanda