Salem, Ore. — Tony L. Williams, 42, of Bend, appeared agitated Monday afternoon in Marion County Criminal Court, facing multiple charges stemming from a stabbing spree Sunday night at the Union Gospel Mission men’s shelter in downtown Salem.
Williams is charged with second-degree attempted murder and 11 counts of second-degree assault after allegedly stabbing 12 people during the evening check-in at the shelter, located at 777 Commercial Street N.E.
Court records show that Williams appeared behind glass and used profane language despite court staff lowering the volume on his microphone. He complained about conditions in the Marion County Jail, alleging staff were pumping gas into his cell, and claimed he acted in self-defense during the incident.
Marion County Circuit Judge Pro Tem Drew Taylor ordered Williams to remain in custody until his next hearing on June 9, citing probable cause and determining that Williams poses a danger to the community.
Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy stated in a court filing that Williams targeted vulnerable victims and inflicted permanent injuries, details prosecutors intend to use in seeking a harsher sentence if Williams is convicted.
Craig Smith, executive director of the Union Gospel Mission, confirmed that Williams was not well-known to staff and that the attack occurred during the shelter’s routine check-in process.
“He had stayed with us the night before, but he’s not a person that we know well,” Smith said in an interview.
Smith also addressed the incident in a video statement posted on social media Monday morning, expressing concern for those affected by the attack.
The Union Gospel Mission is a vital resource for Salem’s homeless population, providing shelter and support services. The incident has raised questions about safety protocols at shelters serving vulnerable individuals.
Williams remains in custody as the investigation continues.
