A mass stabbing attack at a church-run homeless shelter in Salem, Oregon, left 12 people hospitalized with varying injuries on June 1, 2025, in what authorities describe as an unprovoked assault that occurred directly across from the city’s police headquarters.
The attack unfolded around 7:15 p.m. at the Union Gospel Mission Men’s Mission, a 150-bed facility that serves homeless men in downtown Salem. Police identified the suspect as 42-year-old Tony Latrell Williams, who was arrested at the scene and later charged with second-degree attempted murder and 11 counts of second-degree assault.
Williams had arrived at the shelter on May 31 and was attempting to check in for a second night when the violence erupted. According to shelter officials, the confrontation began during the standard check-in process when staff were preparing to secure Williams’ belongings overnight. Craig Smith, executive director of the Union Gospel Mission, indicated that something set Williams off, and he had a knife in his bag. Smith confirmed that “the whole incident is on video” and all footage was being shared with police.
The attack began in the shelter’s lobby, where Williams allegedly pulled out an eight-inch knife and began stabbing people. Two staff members working at the front desk were among the first victims, with one employee suffering critical injuries while another sustained multiple stab wounds. After attacking the employees, Williams continued his assault on other individuals in the facility before moving outside and targeting additional victims at random.
Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene as Williams moved quickly through the area, attacking without warning or hesitation. Bobby Epperly, who was on the second floor during the incident, reported seeing Williams screaming outside at traffic while holding a knife. Epperly indicated he initially did not realize people had been stabbed inside until he went downstairs and observed blood everywhere. Another witness, Malik Law, reported seeing Williams stab at least seven people as everyone tried to move out of his way.
Alan Humphreys, who was outside the shelter during the attack, described the severity of the injuries, noting that Williams cut one victim from his belly button all the way up to the sternum on his chest. He characterized the scene as resembling a horror movie.
All victims were males between the ages of 25 and 67, according to police. Twelve people total required medical attention, with 11 transported to the hospital by emergency services and a 12th victim arriving independently. As of the morning after the attack, five men remained hospitalized in critical condition.
The rapid police response was facilitated by the shelter’s location directly across the street from the Salem Police Department headquarters. Video posted on social media showed Williams lying on the ground as officers approached with drawn weapons and placed him in handcuffs. Caleb Rennie, who was driving past during the incident, captured footage of the arrest after noticing the severity of the situation when he saw officers with guns drawn.
Court records reveal that Williams has an extensive criminal history in Coos and Deschutes counties dating back to 2002, including a previous charge for attempted murder in Coos County in 2004. Police determined that Williams was traveling by bus from Portland to Deschutes County when he disembarked in Salem before the attack occurred.
During his arraignment, Williams was denied bail and reportedly had several outbursts in court. Angela Hedrick, spokesperson for the Salem Police Department, confirmed that detectives were gathering facts as the investigation remained active.
The Union Gospel Mission was founded in 1952 by local Christian businessmen to serve Salem’s homeless population. The Men’s Mission facility where the attack occurred opened in 2021, replacing the organization’s aging 1960s-era downtown facility. The shelter can accommodate up to 150 men each night and provides various support services, including food, clothing, case management, and counseling.
Smith released a statement acknowledging that staff and guests were shaken by the incident and grieving. He indicated the organization was already meeting with staff and guests to discuss safety improvements moving forward. Salem Mayor Julie Hoy expressed disbelief that such an incident could occur and emphasized concern for those still hospitalized and those who witnessed the attack.
Police confirmed the attack did not appear to be targeted at people experiencing homelessness specifically, describing it instead as random violence that occurred at the shelter location. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine Williams’ motive for the unprovoked assault.