Emergency responders provide assistance after a violent stabbing incident at the shelter.
A stabbing incident at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter injured a dozen individuals on a Sunday evening, with five victims in critical condition. Police arrested Tony Latrell Williams for the attack, which occurred during a fight. The community is shaken, and operations at the shelter are temporarily halted as support efforts begin for affected staff and guests.
A shocking incident unfolded at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter on a Sunday evening, resulting in a dozen individuals being injured in a stabbing attack. Approximately **7:15 PM** local time marked the start of this disturbing event, leaving the Salem community in disbelief.
Local authorities responded swiftly to the chaos, arresting **42-year-old Tony Latrell Williams**, a man from Bend, Oregon, for his alleged involvement in the attack. Investigators clarified that there were no signs suggesting Williams had premeditated his actions at the shelter. In fact, he was still relatively new to the facility, having only spent one previous night there.
Initial reports indicated that **eleven victims** were taken to a local hospital with a range of injuries, while an additional twelfth victim was discovered as police conducted interviews with witnesses. By Monday morning, **five** of these victims were reported to be in **critical condition**, raising serious concerns for their recovery.
The attack occurred both inside the shelter and in the surrounding area, affecting men between the ages of **26 and 57**. Among the injured was a staff member who was at the check-in desk when the chaos erupted. As per the shelter’s executive director, Williams was preparing for a second night at the mission when a fight broke out, which reportedly **“set him off.”** Witnesses observed that Williams had a knife in his bag during the altercation, and things escalated quickly from there.
People present described the scene as resembling **“like a horror movie,”** with blood splattered all around. Security footage from the shelter captured the entire incident, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation. Video taken by bystanders showed the dramatic moments leading up to Williams’ arrest, where he was apprehended by police officers with drawn weapons.
As the aftermath continues to unfold, Williams now faces **12 counts of second-degree assault**, a felony charge that underscores the seriousness of his actions. He had arrived in Salem by bus from Portland just the day before the attacks, and authorities found an approximately **8-inch knife** in his possession upon his arrest.
The local community has been visibly shaken by the news of the attacks, with Mayor Julie Hoy expressing her concern and shock for those still hospitalized. The Union Gospel Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating homelessness through Christian ministry, temporarily closed its doors to regroup and assess the situation. The shelter typically serves around **150 individuals** nightly, making its safety a crucial priority.
Operations at the shelter are hopeful to resume by dinner time, but the community is still reeling from this unexpected violence. To support the affected staff and guests, a **community prayer event** has been organized at the shelter, emphasizing solidarity and healing for those impacted by the harrowing events.
The stabbing incident at the Union Gospel Mission serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those struggling with homelessness. Community members are rallying together, showing that even in the face of such adversity, support and compassion remain at the forefront of their collective hearts.
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