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, residing at the Mission, also relayed to the newspaper that he witnessed a man outside yelling at passing cars and brandishing a knife. Inside the premises, Epperly recounted seeing “blood scattered all around.”
A police vehicle is seen outside the Union Gospel Mission of Salem building in downtown Salem, Oregon, on Sunday, June 1. (KPTV)
“The Mission website states, ‘We extend assistance to those in need by providing essential daily provisions to aid them in overcoming homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poverty. Our aim is to offer them the chance for enduring life transformation through the love of God and the generous backing of our united community,'” he added.
The organization’s men’s shelter is located across the street from the headquarters of the Salem Police Department.
“This is truly a distressing scenario,” expressed Craig Smith, the Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, in an interview with the Statesman Journal. Smith highlighted that the assault commenced near the front entrance of the building, targeting individuals both inside and outside the establishment.
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.”
