On Sunday night, a shocking incident occurred at the Union Gospel Mission in downtown Salem, Oregon, where eleven individuals were hospitalized following a violent stabbing. According to the Salem police, the attack took place around 7:15 p.m., leading to a swift response and the apprehension of a suspect.
Salem police spokeswoman, Angela Hedrick, confirmed that the injured victims were promptly transported to Salem Hospital for treatment. However, specific details regarding their injuries were not immediately available. Salem Health, the corporate parent of Salem Hospital, did not respond to inquiries about the victims' conditions on Sunday night.
The suspect, described only as a man, has not yet been identified. This violent episode occurred within the confines of the Union Gospel Mission's expansive 50,000-square-foot Men’s Mission, which opened its doors in 2021, just a few blocks from the organization’s older facilities established in the 1960s. Notably, the mission is situated directly across the street from the Salem Police Department.
Executive Director Craig Smith shared insights in a late-night phone interview, revealing that the assailant was relatively new to the mission. He had spent the previous night there and was preparing to check in for a second night when an altercation ensued. “Something set him off, and he evidently had a knife in his bag,” Smith stated.
The conflict erupted moments before the suspect was to hand over his belongings to the staff, resulting in at least one injury among the mission’s personnel, particularly a staff member stationed at the check-in desk.
The Union Gospel Mission has been a vital resource in the community, founded by a group of dedicated Christian businesspeople. Today, it provides essential services including food, counseling, and housing for approximately 150 individuals each night, as highlighted on its official website. Following the incident, victims were found in various locations within the mission, including its day room and outside the facility.
Executive Director Smith indicated that police investigators would have access to the facility’s security footage, which captures much of the incident. “We’re sharing video with them,” he confirmed, indicating that the entire event is documented on video, which should aid in the ongoing investigation.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by homeless services providers and the individuals they assist. The community watches closely as the investigation unfolds, hoping for swift justice and healing for the victims involved.
