Twelve Individuals Injured in Mass Stabbing at Salem Shelter; Suspect Tony Latrell Williams in Custody as Community Demands Answers
SALEM, OREGON — June 3, 2025 — A horrifying and senseless act of violence has shaken the Salem community after a man armed with a large knife attacked residents and staff inside a downtown homeless shelter, injuring twelve people during a sudden rampage on the evening of Sunday, June 1.
The attack took place at the Union Gospel Mission’s Men’s Shelter, located on Commercial Street NE in the heart of Salem. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that the suspected assailant, Tony Latrell Williams, 42, of Bend, Oregon, was taken into custody shortly after the assault and is currently facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and several counts of assault.
The Attack: Chaos Unleashed at a Place of Refuge
According to the Salem Police Department, the suspect arrived at the shelter during evening check-in, around 7:15 p.m., reportedly seeking a bed for the night. Williams had previously stayed at the shelter just one night earlier and was known to staff.
Witness accounts and security footage revealed that Williams entered the facility without immediate concern. However, after a brief conversation with shelter staff, he allegedly became agitated. Without provocation or warning, he reportedly reached into his personal belongings, drew an approximately eight-inch knife, and began attacking the individuals around him.
The initial targets were two employees near the front desk—both suffered serious stab wounds while trying to intervene or flee. In moments, the shelter’s lobby became a scene of chaos. As others rushed to escape or restrain the assailant, Williams allegedly lashed out indiscriminately, injuring several other individuals.
After exiting the shelter building, Williams reportedly continued his assault outside, targeting people near the entrance and in the surrounding area. Multiple victims collapsed on the sidewalk or were aided by bystanders until emergency services arrived.
Victims and Medical Response
In total, twelve adult men sustained injuries during the rampage. Victims’ ages reportedly range from the mid-20s to late 50s. Some were stabbed multiple times, while others suffered defensive wounds during attempts to flee or stop the suspect.
Emergency medical teams quickly transported eleven of the victims to Salem Health Hospital, where five remain in critical condition as of Tuesday morning. One victim, who initially fled the scene in shock, later sought medical care independently.
Though authorities have chosen not to release the names of the victims due to privacy and security concerns, Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack expressed the department’s deep concern for those still hospitalized and praised the courage of individuals who risked their own safety to shield others from further harm.
Arrest and Investigation
Police officers were on the scene within minutes, as the shelter is located directly across the street from the Salem Police Department. Officers found Williams just outside the facility, disarmed him, and placed him under arrest without further violence. The weapon used in the attack, an eight-inch fixed-blade knife, was recovered nearby and is now in evidence.
Authorities do not currently believe that Williams had any known connection to specific victims or that he planned the attack in advance. The motive remains under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the assault was sudden and unprovoked, with no clear indication of targeted aggression toward any individual.
Suspect Background and Criminal History
Court records reveal that Tony Latrell Williams has a longstanding history of criminal offenses, including past charges of attempted murder, resisting arrest, and assaulting a law enforcement officer. His criminal record spans over two decades and indicates multiple encounters with the justice system in both Oregon and other states.
During a highly volatile initial court appearance on Monday, June 2, Williams reportedly exhibited erratic behavior and several verbal outbursts. A Marion County judge ordered that he be held without bail pending further proceedings. He currently faces one count of attempted second-degree murder and eleven counts of second-degree assault, though prosecutors have stated that additional charges may follow depending on the outcomes of ongoing interviews and medical updates from victims.
Investigators are also exploring Williams’ recent movements and possible mental health concerns, as well as his reasons for returning to the shelter only one day after his initial stay.
Shelter’s Reaction and Safety Measures
The Union Gospel Mission, a Christian nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of unhoused and vulnerable individuals in the Salem area, has long been a pillar of the downtown community. The men’s shelter where the attack took place typically houses up to 150 men each night, offering meals, beds, and rehabilitation support services.
Craig Smith, Executive Director of the organization, expressed his sorrow and shock during a press conference on Monday.
“Our shelter is meant to be a sanctuary — a place of rest and recovery for those who are hurting,” Smith said. “We are devastated that something so violent could happen in our space.”
The shelter closed temporarily for cleaning and recovery but reopened less than 24 hours after the incident to resume its essential services. Staff and volunteers have been offered trauma counseling, and the organization is already exploring enhanced security protocols, including stricter bag checks, increased staff training for crisis response, and collaboration with law enforcement for preventive measures.
All interactions during the incident were captured on the shelter’s surveillance system, which has been shared with investigators.
Broader Community Reaction
Salem’s mayor, Julie Hoy, publicly addressed the tragedy during a Monday briefing, extending thoughts and prayers to all who were affected.
“We are most concerned for those still recovering in the hospital,” Mayor Hoy said. “We owe them not only our compassion but action — to understand what happened and ensure it never happens again.”
Community groups have also mobilized in response, organizing food drives, support circles, and donation efforts for the injured and their families. Faith leaders across the city have offered their sanctuaries as spaces of healing and reflection, while local mental health providers are working with officials to extend crisis intervention services to those impacted.
The attack has also sparked renewed conversations around the intersection of homelessness, public safety, and mental health care. Advocates stress the need for more comprehensive and compassionate infrastructure to support vulnerable populations — not only to prevent violence but to provide sustainable paths out of homelessness.
A Wake-Up Call for Systemic Change
While the immediate aftermath of the attack has focused on the victims’ well-being and bringing the accused to justice, many within Salem’s humanitarian and civic communities are urging city and state leaders to take a deeper look at the systems — or lack thereof — that allowed this tragedy to occur.
Experts say the attack underscores the complex challenges of sheltering individuals who may struggle with untreated mental illness or histories of violence. Shelters often operate on thin budgets, with overworked staff, little access to behavioral health professionals, and few options for immediate intervention when someone shows signs of instability.
Calls have grown louder for increased investment in trauma-informed care, emergency de-escalation training, and coordinated outreach involving law enforcement, social workers, and clinicians.
Moving Forward
As the investigation into the June 1 stabbing continues, the focus remains on the recovery of the victims and the prevention of future violence. The Salem Police Department has pledged transparency and collaboration, while community leaders are advocating for policy reform alongside acts of healing and resilience.
What remains certain is that twelve lives were forever altered by the attack at a place where they sought safety. While their names remain confidential, their pain is publicly shared, and their survival has become a rallying cry for a more responsive, compassionate, and secure system for all.
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