Stabbing Attack At Oregon Homeless Shelter Injures 12, Including Staff

 

Twelve people were injured in a stabbing rampage at a homeless shelter in Salem, Oregon, on Sunday night, according to local police. Authorities have arrested 42-year-old Tony Williams in connection with the attack.

The incident occurred at around 7:15 p.m. at the Union Gospel Mission, where Williams reportedly entered the shelter’s lobby and began speaking with individuals before suddenly pulling out an eight-inch knife and stabbing several people. Others were injured while attempting to stop the attack, and the suspect later moved outside and stabbed more individuals seated nearby.

Williams was apprehended by police across the street from the shelter shortly after the attack. Authorities reported that eleven victims, including two staff members, were transported to local hospitals, and a twelfth victim was later identified during witness interviews. The injured, all men between 26 and 57 years old, sustained various wounds. As of Monday, five remained hospitalized with serious injuries.

While police have not yet determined a motive, they said the attack did not appear to specifically target people experiencing homelessness.

Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Craig Smith confirmed in a statement that the two injured staff members were among those still hospitalized. "As you can imagine, our guests and staff are shaken up and grieving," he wrote. "We are already working on enhancing safety measures moving forward."

Investigators said Williams had been traveling by bus from Portland to Deschutes County and got off in Salem on Saturday. He arrived at the shelter the following evening, shortly before the emergency call was made.

Salem Mayor Julie Hoy expressed her shock and concern. “I’m in disbelief that something like this could happen. We are most concerned with those still hospitalized and for everyone who was there. It’s a difficult thing to process.”

Witness accounts described a chaotic and terrifying scene. Bobby Epperly, who was on the shelter’s second floor at the time, saw the man outside yelling at traffic while holding a knife. “It’s like a horror movie,” he recalled, noting the blood he saw upon going downstairs.

Alan Humphreys, 67, was outside the building when the attacker emerged. “I saw people on the ground bleeding bad,” he said. “It was really serious last night, I mean really serious. I’m just glad it’s all over now.”

The Union Gospel Mission, which provides shelter for up to 150 men nightly, has not announced whether operations will be affected in the coming days. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.