Man Stabs 12 at Salem Homeless Shelter in Unprovoked Attack
ICARO Media Group
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A violent knife attack at a Salem, Oregon, homeless shelter on Sunday left 12 people injured, including five seriously, according to local authorities. The suspect, Tony Latrell Williams, age 42 from Bend, Oregon, was apprehended near the incident location shortly after the spree.
The incident occurred at the Union Gospel Mission, where Williams reportedly engaged in conversation with multiple individuals in the shelter's lobby before suddenly drawing a knife and stabbing those around him. Victims ranged in age from 26 to 57 and included two shelter staff members, with the remaining 10 victims being either guests of the shelter or individuals located just outside the facility.
Five male victims remained hospitalized as of Monday. Despite the severity of the attack, the police stated that the motive was unclear and that there were no indications the attack was targeted. Investigations are ongoing.
Tony Latrell Williams faced arraignment on Monday and was charged with one count of attempted murder and 11 counts of second-degree assault. Williams did not enter a plea due to lack of legal representation and is currently held without bail at the Marion County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 9.
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy expressed the community's shock and sorrow over the incident, highlighting its impact on the victims, their families, and the broader Union Gospel Mission community.
Police reported arriving at the scene at 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, finding several individuals wounded by the suspect, who wielded a knife about eight inches in length. Some of the victims were injured while attempting to intervene and stop Williams. After leaving the shelter, he continued his attack nearby before being captured by the police across the street. The weapon used in the attack was also recovered.
Eleven people were transported to Salem Health Hospital for treatment, while a 12th victim came to light through witness interviews. Authorities confirmed that Williams had arrived in Salem a day prior, disembarking from a bus en route from Portland to Deschutes County.
In a social media post on Monday, Craig Smith, executive director of Union Gospel Mission of Salem, disclosed that the two staff members injured were in "very serious condition." He called for prayers for both the victims and the Mission itself. Despite the tragedy, the organization continued its services, providing breakfast and planning to serve lunch in the facility's parking lot.