A mass stabbing at a homeless shelter in Salem, Oregon, left 12 people hospitalized on June 1, 2025, when a man launched an unprovoked attack at the Union Gospel Mission’s men’s facility. The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. at the Union Gospel Mission on Commercial Street Northeast, directly across from the Salem Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as Tony Latrell Williams, 42, of Bend, Oregon, who was arrested outside the shelter and booked into Marion County Jail on charges of second-degree attempted murder and 11 counts of second-degree assault. Williams was denied bail during his Monday court appearance, during which he had several outbursts.
The attack began in the shelter’s lobby during the standard check-in process. Williams had stayed at the facility the previous night and was attempting to check in for a second consecutive night at the 150-bed facility when the violence erupted. According to Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Craig Smith, the confrontation started when an employee was taking Williams’ bag for overnight safekeeping, which is standard protocol at the shelter.
Craig Smith told NBC News that “something set him off, and he evidently had a knife in his bag.” The executive director confirmed that the entire incident was captured on video, and all footage was turned over to police investigators.
Williams initially targeted both employees at the front desk, stabbing them with what police described as an 8-inch knife that was later recovered by investigators. One employee remains in critical condition, while the other suffered multiple stab wounds but is expected to recover. After attacking the staff members, witnesses reported that Williams continued his rampage throughout the shelter before moving outside to target additional victims at random.
Witness Alan Humphreys described the terrifying scene, explaining that as Williams moved through the area, people were falling to the ground before he realized the man had a knife. Humphreys reported that Williams inflicted severe injuries, including cutting one victim from the belly button to the sternum. Another witness, Malik Law, observed Williams stab at least seven people as everyone attempted to move out of his path.
Bobby Epperly, who was on the shelter’s second floor during the attack, reported seeing Williams outside screaming at traffic while holding a knife. Epperly described the scene as resembling a horror movie and said he discovered the extent of the indoor violence only after going downstairs and seeing blood throughout the building.
Initially, 11 victims were transported to Salem Health hospital with varying types of injuries. A 12th victim was later discovered at the hospital, having arrived independently. As of Monday morning, five men remained hospitalized in critical condition.
Police Lieutenant Treven Upkes revealed that Williams had been traveling on a bus from Portland to Deschutes County but disembarked in Salem before the attack. The motive for the stabbing remains unclear, and detectives continue gathering facts about the incident.
Court records reveal that Williams has an extensive criminal history spanning back to 2002 in Coos and Deschutes counties, including a previous attempted murder charge in Coos County in 2004. This background adds context to the severity of the current charges he faces.
The Union Gospel Mission was established in 1952 by local Christian businessmen to serve Salem’s homeless population. The men’s facility where the attack occurred opened in 2021, replacing the organization’s aging 1960s-era downtown facilities. The faith-based organization provides housing for up to 150 homeless men along with support services, food, clothing, case management, and counseling.
Salem Police spokesperson Angela Hedrick confirmed that the investigation remains active as detectives continue processing the scene and gathering evidence. The shelter posted a sign indicating it would remain closed until further notice following the attack. Video footage posted on social media showed Williams lying on the pavement during his arrest by Salem police officers.
The incident represents one of the most significant violent attacks at a homeless services facility in Oregon’s recent history, occurring at a location specifically designed to provide safety and support for the area’s most vulnerable population.
