A mass stabbing incident unfolded at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem shelter in Oregon on Sunday night, leaving 11 people injured and one male suspect in custody. The incident, described as resembling a horror movie, saw multiple individuals attacked inside and outside the facility. Witnesses reported chaos as the suspect fled the scene after the attack, with blood spilled throughout the building.
The Union Gospel Mission of Salem, a faith-based nonprofit providing shelter and services for the homeless, was at the epicenter of the violent event. The shelter, which is located across the street from the Salem Police Department’s headquarters, is a place where individuals seeking refuge from homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poverty receive essential assistance. According to the Mission’s website, its goal is to offer long-term, sustained life change through God’s love and the support of the community.
Witness accounts painted a harrowing picture of the attack. Malik Law, a witness, described the scene as if it were a horror movie, with the suspect running through the facility and attacking people. Bobby Epperly, who resides at the Mission, told the Statesman Journal that he saw a man outside screaming at traffic and wielding a knife. Inside the building, Epperly reported seeing blood everywhere, adding to the intensity of the situation.
Another witness, Dan Mills, who was at the front desk, described the moment the attack began. “I just heard a scream,” Mills said, “I was standing right at the front desk, I was probably no more than 10 feet away, and he stabbed one of the staff members.” The exact motive for the attack remains unclear, as the police have not released any information regarding the suspect’s background or potential reasons for the violence.
The Salem Police Department confirmed that the suspect is now in custody and that 11 individuals have been taken to the hospital for treatment. While the details of the incident are still under investigation, the organization and the local police department are working together to provide support and gather more information about the attack. The Union Gospel Mission of Salem expressed its condolences to the victims and emphasized its ongoing commitment to helping those in need, despite the tragic event.