On Sunday night in downtown Salem, Oregon, eleven individuals were hospitalized following a stabbing incident at the Union Gospel Mission, a homeless services provider. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m., after which a suspect—a man who had recently checked into the mission—was taken into custody. The specifics about the injuries of the stabbing victims remain unclear, and inquiries to Salem Hospital have gone unanswered.
According to Craig Smith, the Executive Director of Union Gospel Mission, the attacker had spent the previous night at the facility and was in the process of checking in for a second night when he became involved in a confrontation that escalated violently. He allegedly had a knife hidden in his bag. The altercation took place just prior to the suspect handing over his belongings to the staff, which included at least one employee who was injured.
The mission, which can accommodate roughly 150 people nightly, operates out of a modern 50,000-square-foot building that opened in 2021, located just a few blocks from its older facility. Victims of the attack were found both inside the mission’s day room and outside, highlighting the chaotic nature of the incident.
Smith noted that the entire event was captured on the facility’s security cameras, and the police will review this footage as part of their investigation. The nonprofit mission was founded by Christian business leaders and provides various services, including meals, counseling, and housing assistance.
The police are continuing to investigate the incident, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to understand the circumstances leading to this unprecedented violence.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
