Shelter Check-In Turns Bloody in Salem Stabbing Spree
A quiet Sunday evening in Salem, Oregon, turned chaotic when a man allegedly stabbed a dozen people inside and around a homeless shelter across from the city's police headquarters. The incident shocked residents and rattled the staff and guests of the Union Gospel Mission, a faith-based facility that offers nightly refuge to up to 150 men experiencing homelessness.
A Shelter Turned Crime Scene
At approximately 7:15 p.m. on June 1, 2025, police say a man entered the Union Gospel Mission's Men's Shelter in downtown Salem and allegedly began stabbing people during the check-in process.
The facility, located directly across the street from the Salem Police Department, became a crime scene as first responders arrived to treat victims and apprehend the suspect.
Authorities said 12 men were injured in the attack, ranging in age from 26 to 57.
Five victims remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Monday afternoon.
Two of those injured were staff members, including one reportedly attacked while checking the suspect in for the night.
A Sudden Outburst
The suspect, identified by police as 42-year-old Tony Latrell Williams from Bend, Oregon, had reportedly arrived in Salem just the day before via bus from Portland.
He spent Saturday night at the shelter and was in the process of checking in for a second stay when, according to Union Gospel Mission executive director Craig Smith, "Something ... set him off, and he evidently had a knife in his bag," as reported by NBC News.
Authorities say the violence unfolded rapidly inside the shelter's day room and spilled outside onto the street.
Several victims were reportedly hurt while trying to intervene or assist others. Surveillance cameras captured the entire incident, and Smith confirmed the footage is being shared with investigators.
Who Was Injured
Police said all 12 victims were male, including 10 shelter guests and two employees.
One guest was enrolled in a long-term drug and alcohol recovery program.
The rest were seeking overnight refuge or happened to be near the shelter at the time.
Among the critically injured was a staff member who had reportedly just begun his shift. Smith confirmed that the staffer underwent surgery and was "fighting for his life" as of Monday evening, according to NBC News.
The Suspect's Arrest and Charges
Police arrested Williams across the street from the shelter shortly after the incident. He allegedly still had the eight-inch knife believed to be used in the attack when officers took him into custody.
Social media footage shows a shirtless man lying in the street as officers, weapons drawn, issue commands before handcuffing him.
Williams is currently being held without bail at Marion County Jail. He faces 12 counts of second-degree assault along with charges for unlawful weapon use and aggravated harassment.
It remains unclear whether he has obtained legal representation.
A Shaken Community
Union Gospel Mission, founded in 1952, offers food, counseling, and shelter to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. Its Men's Mission facility, first opened in 2021, was temporarily closed after the attack but was expected to reopen by Monday night for evening services.
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy addressed the public in a press conference, saying, "Last night a terrible thing happened in Salem, Oregon, to folks that need the most," according to NBC News.
A community prayer gathering was scheduled for Thursday morning at the shelter's chapel.
What Happens Next
As police continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses, many in Salem are left asking how such a violent act occurred so close to the city's law enforcement center. For now, shelter leadership says they're focused on healing and safety improvements.
References: 11 people stabbed in church-run homeless shelter in Salem, Oregon | Suspect in custody after 12 stabbed at Oregon homeless services provider | 'It's like a horror movie': 12 people stabbed at unhoused shelter in Oregon | Stabbing attack at Oregon homeless shelter injures a dozen people
