Breaking News: 11 Injured in Stabbing Attack at Oregon Homeless Shelter; Suspect Arrested
One man is in custody after a mass stabbing at Salem's Union Gospel Mission shelter injures 11.
Authorities are now investigating a harrowing mass stabbing that unfolded late Sunday night at a men’s homeless shelter in Salem, Oregon. According to police, eleven people were injured in the attack, which took place at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem. The scene was described by an eyewitness as reminiscent of a “horror movie,” as chaos erupted when the suspect began his violent spree.
The suspect, a male, was quickly apprehended by law enforcement and is currently in custody. Witnesses recalled the moments leading up to the attack, describing a man outside the shelter brandishing a knife while screaming at passing traffic. When he entered the building, panic set in. “Everybody was basically trying to move out of his way,” one witness reported, adding that the man suddenly began attacking people inside the shelter. Another resident recounted seeing “blood everywhere” in the aftermath.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown. The Salem Police Department confirmed that the victims received immediate medical care for a range of injuries, though officials have not yet disclosed the severity of those wounds. There has been no official comment regarding the condition of those hospitalized, nor has further information about the suspect been released at this time.
The Union Gospel Mission, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals recover from homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poverty, expressed shock and sadness in the wake of the violence. “It’s a really awful situation,” said Craig Smith, the executive director. He noted that the attack began near the shelter’s main entrance, with both staff and residents being targeted inside and outside of the facility. The shelter, ironically, is situated just across the street from the headquarters of the Salem Police Department.
The disturbing event has sent ripples of concern through the local community, especially among those already struggling to rebuild their lives. Staff and clients alike are grappling with the trauma, as investigators work to determine what led to such a violent outburst in a place meant to provide refuge and hope. “I just heard a scream,” recalled Dan Mills, who was standing only feet away when a staff member was stabbed. “I was probably no more than 10 feet away.”
As the investigation continues, questions remain about security at shelters and the broader challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Oregon’s capital city. Community leaders and authorities have pledged support for the victims, as Salem seeks answers and looks to heal from this unprecedented act of violence.
