In Salem, Oregon, a violent stabbing took place at a local homeless shelter on Sunday evening, resulting in injuries to twelve individuals. Following the incident, police apprehended a suspect shortly thereafter.
Reports indicate that the suspect, armed with an eight-inch knife, entered the Union Gospel Mission’s lobby around 7:15 p.m. He engaged in conversation with individuals in the lobby before unexpectedly brandishing the knife and attacking multiple people, as stated by the Salem Police Department.
As several people attempted to intervene, they too sustained injuries. The suspect subsequently exited the building and continued his rampage, stabbing additional victims who were seated outside.
Law enforcement arrested Tony Williams, aged 42, across the street from the shelter. Eleven of the victims, which included two staff members from the shelter, were transported to the hospital for care, while a twelfth victim was identified through witness interviews. Police reported that the victims experienced “varying types of injuries,” all of whom were men aged between 26 and 57.
Five individuals were hospitalized with severe wounds on Monday, and police have yet to disclose a possible motive for the attacks, though they stated there was no indication of targeting homeless individuals specifically.
Craig Smith, the executive director of the shelter, released a digital statement noting that the two staff members were still hospitalized on Monday. The statement also emphasized the emotional impact on the staff and guests, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures moving forward.
Further investigation revealed that Williams was traveling from Portland to Deschutes County by bus but disembarked in Salem on Saturday. He visited the shelter that day but did not stay overnight. He returned the following night prior to the police response.
Expressing disbelief at the tragedy, Salem Mayor Julie Hoy voiced her concerns, particularly for those still hospitalized, and acknowledged the difficulty in processing the event.
Eyewitness Bobby Epperly described a chaotic scene, recounting how he observed the suspect shouting at traffic while wielding the knife. It wasn’t until he went downstairs that he realized the gravity of the situation, describing it as akin to a horror movie with “blood everywhere.”
The homeless shelter typically provides refuge for up to 150 men each night, according to its online presence.
One local driver, 19-year-old Caleb Rennie, witnessed the suspect’s arrest and captured the moment on his cellphone. The recording showed officers with weapons drawn as they approached the suspect, handcuffed him, and restrained him, all amidst a tense environment.
Alan Humphreys, 67, was outside the shelter when the attack spilled onto the street. He observed the injured victims lying on the ground with significant bleeding. Reflecting on the night’s events, Humphreys expressed relief now that the immediate danger has passed.