- 11 individuals transported to Salem Health hospital for stab wounds
- Attack occurred at Union Gospel Mission men's shelter after dark
- Police secured suspect within 90 minutes of initial reports
- Authorities withholding weapon details pending forensic analysis
Emergency responders descended upon downtown Salem Sunday night following Oregon's worst shelter violence incident in three years. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes outside Union Gospel Mission as paramedics triaged victims with multiple puncture wounds. Shelter staff members described the attacker as a recently enrolled client who became agitated during dinner services.
Recent funding cuts to Oregon's mental health programs have strained shelter resources statewide. Data from the National Coalition for the Homeless reveals a 17% increase in violent incidents at Pacific Northwest shelters since 2022. Portland's Right to Dream Too facility reported similar knife-related injuries last October, prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack emphasized the rapid response: Our officers contained the situation within 90 minutes, preventing further casualties.The department's new real-time crime center technology helped track the suspect through downtown alleyways. Body camera footage released Monday morning shows tactical teams executing a low-force apprehension.
Hospital officials confirmed 9 men and 2 women received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Three patients required emergency surgery to address internal bleeding. Salem Health's trauma director noted this marks their largest single-incident intake since 2019 wildfires overwhelmed regional medical facilities.
Union Gospel Mission director Mara Linwood addressed safety concerns: We're implementing metal detectors and doubling overnight staff through December.The 82-bed shelter serves Oregon's unhoused population with addiction recovery programs and vocational training. State legislators have pledged $500k for upgraded security infrastructure at high-risk shelters.