Salem, Ore. —A quiet Sunday evening at Salem’s Union Gospel Mission erupted into chaos when a man with a knife injured 12 people in what police are calling one of the bloodiest attacks in the city’s recent history.
The attack occurred just before 8 p.m., as the city’s largest homeless shelter was preparing to close for the night. The suspect, identified by police as Tony L. Williams, 42, of Bend, was staying at the shelter the night before the incident and appeared to be familiar with its layout and routine.
Witnesses say Williams exited the front doors of the shelter at 777 Commercial Street NE shortly after chapel services concluded and began attacking individuals gathered outside. Among those injured was Kyle Casey, who was standing in line waiting to check in and receive a bed for the night.
“I saw a man come running out, bleeding. Then another came out behind him with a knife,” Casey recounted from his hospital bed. He was one of the 12 injured during the rampage. Five victims remained hospitalized as of Monday afternoon, some with serious wounds.
Salem Police responded within minutes and apprehended Williams at the scene. Authorities say he had recently been traveling by bus from Portland to Bend, but got off in Salem on Saturday and sought shelter at the mission.
Court documents and police records reveal Williams has a history of threatening strangers with knives. On Monday morning, he appeared in a jailhouse courtroom six miles from the shelter, where he was formally charged in connection with the attack. During the arraignment, Williams responded to the judge with erratic statements, described by officials as delusional and incoherent.
The attack sent shockwaves through the Union Gospel Mission community, a faith-based organization that serves hundreds of vulnerable men each year—many of whom are recovering from addiction or rebuilding their lives after incarceration.
“This is supposed to be a safe place,” said a staff member, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. “Our staff and guests are shaken, but we’re doing everything we can to ensure everyone’s safety and continue our mission.”
The shelter, which houses up to 100 men in dormitory-style rooms, resumed operations later Sunday evening, including its nightly meal service. A stone outside the building bears a biblical inscription: “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” For many, that promise was shattered.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack. Police have not ruled out mental illness as a factor. Williams remains in custody and is expected to undergo a psychological evaluation.
Shelter officials and community advocates have called for increased mental health support and security measures at facilities that serve high-risk populations.
“This was a tragedy,” said one local outreach worker. “But it’s also a wake-up call.”
