Stabbing Attack at Salem Homeless Shelter Injures 12; Suspect in Custody
SALEM, OR — A shocking act of violence shattered the calm of a Sunday evening in downtown Salem, where a dozen people were injured in a brutal stabbing attack at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter. Authorities have arrested a 42-year-old suspect, identified as Tony Williams, who allegedly carried out the attack with an eight-inch knife.
According to the Salem Police Department, the incident unfolded around 7:15 p.m. on June 1, when Williams entered the shelter’s lobby and began engaging in conversation with staff and guests. Without warning, he reportedly drew a knife and began stabbing those around him. Chaos erupted as people tried to flee or subdue the attacker, and several were injured in their attempt to intervene.
Witnesses reported harrowing scenes both inside and outside the shelter. After the initial attack in the lobby, Williams allegedly exited the building and continued his rampage, targeting individuals seated or standing near the entrance. Authorities quickly responded and apprehended Williams across the street from the shelter, preventing further harm.
The attack left 12 individuals injured, including two staff members of the Union Gospel Mission. Eleven victims were transported to a local hospital with various injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Police later identified a twelfth victim during witness interviews. All of the victims are men, aged between 26 and 57.
As of Monday, five victims remained hospitalized with serious injuries. The names and conditions of those affected have not been publicly released due to privacy concerns.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Salem Police stated that the violence did not appear to be specifically targeted at homeless individuals or staff members. Investigators from the department’s Violent Crimes Unit revealed that Williams had been traveling by bus from Portland to Deschutes County and had disembarked in Salem on Saturday, just one day before the incident.
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy expressed shock and sorrow in the wake of the attack. “I’m in disbelief that something like this could happen,” she said. “We are most concerned with those who are still in hospital and for those who were just there. It’s a difficult thing to process.”
The executive director of the Union Gospel Mission, Craig Smith, issued a statement acknowledging the trauma faced by guests and staff. “As you can imagine, our guests and staff are shaken up and grieving,” Smith said. “Already we are in conversation and meetings with staff and guests to discuss safety improvements, to the best of our ability, moving forward.”
One witness, Bobby Epperly, who was on the shelter’s second floor at the time of the attack, described the scene as surreal and terrifying. He told reporters from the Salem Statesman Journal that he saw a man screaming at traffic with a knife in his hand. “It’s like a horror movie,” Epperly said. “I didn’t realize people had already been stabbed inside until I went downstairs and saw blood everywhere.”
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about safety in shelters and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the unhoused. While the Union Gospel Mission provides critical resources, meals, and temporary housing for those in need, the attack underscores the unpredictable dangers that can arise even in spaces intended for refuge.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Williams is currently in custody, and formal charges are expected to be filed in the coming days. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, speaking with witnesses, and working to piece together the suspect’s movements in the hours leading up to the stabbings.
Community members, local officials, and nonprofit leaders have begun coordinating efforts to support the victims and shelter staff through counseling services and emergency response plans. The Union Gospel Mission remains temporarily closed as investigators complete their work and safety assessments are made.
As Salem reels from the incident, residents and leaders alike are calling for compassion, awareness, and solidarity. The healing process will take time, but there is a collective commitment to ensuring that those impacted receive the support they need—and that such violence is never repeated.