- Eleven people were stabbed Sunday night at Union Gospel Mission in downtown Salem, Oregon.
- Police say the suspect was apprehended shortly after the attack; motive remains unclear.
- Victims sustained various injuries, one reported bleeding heavily from the neck.
- Authorities closed downtown roads during investigation; no press briefings scheduled.
- Union Gospel Mission is a 70-year-old Christian nonprofit known for transformative homeless outreach.
Incident Overview
SALEM, OREGON — A violent stabbing spree at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem on Sunday evening left 11 people hospitalized, according to Salem Police. The attack occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. PT inside the mission’s Men’s Shelter at 777 Commercial St NE, just blocks from downtown and directly across from the Salem Police Department headquarters.
Authorities confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Emergency responders transported the victims to local hospitals with “varying types of wounds,” according to Statesman Journal. One victim was reported to be “bleeding heavily from the neck.”
According to the shelter’s executive director, Craig Smith, the suspect had stayed at the shelter the previous night and was checking in for a second night when he suddenly launched the attack during a confrontation. Victims were found both inside the facility, including in the day room, and outside. One of the injured was a staff member. The incident was captured on security footage, which has been shared with authorities.
Witnesses described the aftermath as being reminiscent of a horror movie. A resident, Bobby Epperly, told the Statesman Journal that there was “blood everywhere” in the facility. Cellphone video circulating on social media reportedly showed the moment when the suspect in Sunday’s mass stabbing was arrested. The video showed two police officers with pistols drawn … .
Police Response and Road Closures
Following the stabbing, Salem Police posted an alert on X (formerly Twitter), describing the event as an “active investigation” and confirming the arrest. The department stated that there would be no press stand-ups and advised the public of road closures in the area, including the southbound lanes of Commercial Street at D Street NE.
Later in the night, an update at 10:55 p.m. on X confirmed the roads had reopened, adding that a media release will be provided on Monday. No further information (NFI) was made available as of press time.
About the Union Gospel Mission of Salem
The Union Gospel Mission of Salem (UGM) is a Christian-based nonprofit that has served Oregon’s homeless and vulnerable communities since 1953. Originally founded by local Christian businessmen concerned about seasonal harvest workers, the mission first opened its doors in downtown Salem on June 1, 1953.
UGM’s mission is to “restore dignity and hope by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ,” through compassionate services that address both immediate and long-term needs. These include hot meals, shelter, education, addiction recovery, and job training.
Its current 50,000-square-foot Men’s Mission facility, opened in July 2021 at 777 Commercial Street NE, replaced the overcrowded 1960s-era building at 345 Commercial Street. It now stands as a central hub for helping Salem’s homeless community rebuild their lives.
UGM also operates Simonka Place for Women and Children in Keizer, Oregon—named in honor of George and June Simonka, pioneers of the mission’s women’s outreach programs. The original Simonka House, opened in 1968, was the first women’s shelter on the U.S. West Coast.
Community and Faith-Based Impact
UGM continues to play a vital role in transforming lives, grounded in a Christian ethos of healing and support. Each year, it helps thousands of individuals find their way back to stability and dignity through a mix of compassionate care and practical rehabilitation services. Sunday night’s attack, occurring in this safe haven, has shocked both staff and the broader Salem community.
What’s Next
Authorities have confirmed that a full investigative update will be released Monday. As of now, the motive behind the attack remains unknown. The victims’ conditions were still being evaluated at local hospitals, and police have not released the identity of the suspect.
Salem Police urge residents to avoid speculation and follow official updates via their X account and website.
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