Eleven people were stabbed at a men’s homeless shelter in Oregon in a scene that a witness described as looking like out of a “horror movie.”
One male suspect is in custody following the incident Sunday night at the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, according to the Salem Police Department.
“Everybody was basically trying to move out of his way,” witness Malik Law told the Statesman Journal. “He started attacking them.”
Bobby Epperly, a resident at the Mission, reported to the newspaper witnessing a man outside who was shouting at passing vehicles while brandishing a knife. Inside the facility, Epperly described the scene as having “blood everywhere.”
A police vehicle is seen outside the Union Gospel Mission of Salem building in downtown Salem, Oregon, on Sunday, June 1. (KPTV)
The Mission’s website states, “We offer essential daily items to those in need, aiding them in overcoming homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poverty. Our aim is to enable long-lasting, transformative life changes through God’s love and the generous contributions from our supportive community.”
The organization’s men’s shelter is located across the street from the headquarters of the Salem Police Department.
“It’s a really terrible situation,” remarked Craig Smith, the Executive Director of Union Gospel Mission of Salem, in an interview with the Statesman Journal. He highlighted that the stabbing incident started near the facility’s main entrance and involved individuals both inside and outside the premises.
Police tape surrounds the Union Gospel Mission of Salem building following the mass stabbing on Sunday, June 1.
“I just heard a scream,” said another witness, Dan Mills. “I was standing right at the front desk, I was probably no more than 10 feet away, and he stabbed one of the staff members.”
