A shocking knife attack at Union Gospel Mission’s Men’s Shelter in Salem, Oregon, left 11 people injured Sunday evening, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. directly across from the Salem Police Department.
Police said the suspect, who had stayed at the shelter the previous night, returned for another stay. As he was checking in and handing over his belongings, he suddenly began attacking staff and residents. One staff member was among those wounded.
All 11 victims were transported to a local hospital with various injuries. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
Craig Smith, executive director of Union Gospel Mission, told NBC News that the violence erupted without warning. “Something triggered him,” Smith said. “It’s all on video, and we’ve given that to police.”
Union Gospel Mission’s Men’s Shelter opened in 2021 and is a 150-bed facility that replaced older accommodations built in the 1960s. A video circulating on social media appears to show the suspect being restrained by police outside the building.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or confirmed any charges. “It’s still early in the investigation,” said police spokesperson Angela Hedrick.
Union Gospel Mission, founded in 1952, continues to serve Salem’s homeless community while cooperating with law enforcement.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
