Chaos at Salem Shelter: 11 Stabbed in Shocking Mass Attack, Suspect in Custody
SALEM, OREGON — In a horrifying turn of events, a mass stabbing erupted at a homeless shelter in Salem on the evening of Saturday, June 1, leaving eleven people injured and a community in shock.
The attack unfolded around 7:15 p.m. at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, located at 777 Commercial Street NE, a prominent shelter situated just north of Salem’s downtown core and directly across from the Salem Police Department headquarters. The facility, which only opened its expanded men’s shelter in July 2023, was the scene of what authorities are calling one of the worst single acts of violence at a homeless services center in recent Oregon history.
Swift Emergency Response
Emergency calls flooded dispatch as witnesses reported a man attacking people both inside and outside the shelter with a knife. Salem Police officers responded swiftly, arriving on the scene within minutes. Upon arrival, they discovered a chaotic and gruesome scene with victims scattered inside the facility, outside near the entrance, and across the street.
Emergency medical personnel from multiple agencies immediately began triage efforts, treating victims on-site before transporting them to Salem Health Hospital. According to Salem Police spokesperson Angela Hedrick, a total of eleven individuals sustained stab wounds. Their injuries range in severity, but no fatalities have been reported as of the most recent updates.
“The rapid response of our officers and medics ensured that victims received immediate care,” said Hedrick in a late-night press briefing. “Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event.”
Suspect in Custody
Authorities confirmed that an adult male suspect was quickly apprehended not far from the scene. The man was taken into custody without further incident, although his identity and potential motive have not yet been released.
Detectives from the Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit are leading the ongoing investigation. As of Sunday morning, they were still processing the scene and collecting evidence, including surveillance footage from surrounding buildings.
Major Disruption in the Area
For over an hour, southbound Commercial Street at D Street NE was shut down to accommodate emergency vehicles and ensure public safety. Traffic was diverted west onto Front Street NE until the roadway reopened shortly before 8:40 p.m.
Photos and video footage captured in the aftermath show a heavy emergency response: numerous police cruisers, ambulances, and fire department units surrounded the shelter. The sidewalk outside the facility was taped off, with investigators seen interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence late into the night.
About the Union Gospel Mission
The Union Gospel Mission of Salem is a faith-based nonprofit that offers shelter, food, and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction. The men’s facility, which became fully operational in 2023, was designed to serve a growing need in the community. The organization also provides recovery programs and transitional housing support.
In a brief statement, Union Gospel Mission leadership expressed heartbreak over the incident.
“We are devastated by the violence that occurred within our walls,” the statement read. “Our prayers are with the victims and their families. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.”
Community Reaction and Call for Information
News of the stabbing has sent shockwaves throughout the city, particularly among organizations and advocates who work with Salem’s homeless population.
“This is a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of those living in shelters,” said Lisa Porter, director of a local outreach nonprofit. “We need to focus not only on justice but on ensuring that places meant to be safe havens are truly safe.”
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the attack, or who has security footage from nearby buildings around the time of the incident, to come forward and contact the Salem Police Department’s tip line.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Sunday morning, the scene remains active. Forensic teams and detectives continue combing through the area to reconstruct the sequence of events. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and police have not stated whether the suspect had any prior connection to the shelter or the victims.
This incident adds to a growing list of violent episodes at shelters and social service centers across the country, prompting renewed concerns about safety protocols in facilities that serve some of society’s most at-risk populations.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.