On Sunday night, eleven people were hospitalized following a stabbing incident at the Union Gospel Mission, a homeless services provider in downtown Salem, Oregon. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m., and a male suspect is now in custody. The injured individuals were transported to Salem Hospital, but details about their injuries have not been disclosed. The suspect was reportedly new to the mission and had spent the previous night there. He was preparing to check in for a second night when a fight broke out.
According to Executive Director Craig Smith, something provoked the attacker, who had a knife in his bag. This altercation occurred just before the suspect was required to surrender his belongings to the mission staff, one of whom was injured during the attack. The Union Gospel Mission, a nonprofit organization that serves food, offers counseling, and provides shelter for approximately 150 individuals nightly, operates from a 50,000-square-foot facility that opened in 2021.
Smith stated that victims were found both inside the mission’s day room and outside its premises. The incident’s details will be thoroughly examined by law enforcement, who will review security footage from the facility, which captures the entire event. Smith confirmed that they are cooperating with police by sharing this video evidence. The Union Gospel Mission has been dedicated to supporting the homeless community, initially founded by a group of Christian businesspeople. As investigations continue, the mission emphasizes its commitment to providing a safe environment for those in need.
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