A mass stabbing at a homeless shelter in Salem, Oregon, on June 1, 2025, left 12 people hospitalized after a suspect attacked victims with an eight-inch knife during the evening check-in process. The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. at the Union Gospel Mission Men’s Mission on Commercial Street NE, a 150-bed facility located 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 numerous assault and weapons charges. Williams had stayed at the shelter the previous night and was attempting to check in for a second consecutive night when the violence erupted.
Craig Smith, executive director of Union Gospel Mission, indicated that Williams became agitated during the standard check-in procedure when staff requested his belongings for overnight safekeeping. Smith noted that “something set him off, and he evidently had a knife in his bag.”
The attack began in the lobby, where Williams first targeted two employees at the front desk responsible for processing overnight stays. One staff member remained in critical condition following the assault, while the other suffered multiple stab wounds but was expected to recover. After attacking the employees, Williams moved throughout the facility, stabbing several residents before exiting the building and continuing his assault on individuals outside.
Witness Alan Humphreys described the gruesome scene, stating Williams moved quickly through the area, cutting and stabbing people without warning. Another witness, Bobby Epperly, was on the second floor when he observed Williams outside screaming at traffic while holding a knife. Epperly reported seeing blood throughout the building’s interior after descending to the first floor.
Malik Law, another witness present during the attack, reported seeing Williams stab at least seven people as everyone attempted to move out of his path. Law indicated that Williams began attacking people as they tried to avoid him during his rampage through the facility.
Emergency responders transported 11 victims to Salem Health hospital with varying types of injuries. A 12th victim was later discovered at the hospital, having arrived independently for medical treatment. As of June 3, 2025, five men remained hospitalized in critical condition, according to Deputy Chief Treven Upkes.
Police recovered the knife used in the attack and confirmed that the entire incident was captured on the shelter’s surveillance system. Smith reported that all video footage was turned over to investigators to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Court records reveal Williams has an extensive criminal history spanning multiple Oregon counties, dating back to 2002. His previous charges include an attempted murder charge in Coos County in 2004, indicating a pattern of violent behavior. Williams was arraigned on charges of second-degree attempted murder and 11 counts of second-degree assault, with bail denied following several outbursts during his court appearance.
Investigators determined Williams had been traveling by bus from Portland to Deschutes County but disembarked in Salem before the stabbing incident occurred. The timing suggests the attack was not premeditated but rather a spontaneous eruption of violence during the routine check-in process.
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy expressed disbelief over the incident, stating her primary concern remained with those still hospitalized and the individuals who witnessed the traumatic event. The mayor described the processing of such violence as particularly difficult for the community.
The Union Gospel Mission was established in 1952 by local Christian businessmen to serve Salem’s homeless population. The Men’s Mission facility opened in 2021, replacing the organization’s aging 1960s-era downtown facility. The shelter provides support services including food, clothing, case management, and counseling for up to 150 homeless men each night.
Following the attack, the mission posted closure notices and remained shut down pending the ongoing police investigation. Blood remained visible at the entrance as of June 3, 2025, as detectives continued gathering evidence from the crime scene.
Angela Hedrick, Salem Police Department spokesperson, indicated that detectives were still gathering facts in the fresh investigation. The case remains active as authorities work to understand the full circumstances surrounding the unprovoked mass stabbing incident.