Twelve individuals were hurt during a stabbing incident at a homeless shelter in Oregon on Sunday evening, and authorities have apprehended a person of interest, according to law enforcement officials.
Around 7:15 pm local time on Monday, a man armed with a 20 cm knife entered the lobby of the Union Gospel Mission in Salem. According to statements from the Salem Police Department, the individual was conversing with individuals inside the lobby when he reportedly drew the weapon and attacked multiple persons.
According to the police, individuals around him sustained injuries while attempting to step in. Subsequently, the man exited the premises and proceeded to stab others who were seated nearby outdoors.
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The police apprehended a suspect named Tony Williams, aged 42, who was located just opposite the shelter.
Ten victims, along with two employees at the shelter, were transported to a hospital for medical attention. A 12th individual was recognized through officer interviews with witnesses. Authorities mentioned that the victims sustained "a range of injuries." The police stated that all those affected were males aged from 26 to 57 years old.
On Monday, five individuals were still hospitalized due to severe injuries.
The police have not provided a reason for the stabbings, however, they indicated that it did not appear to be aimed specifically at individuals experiencing homelessness.
Craig Smith, who leads the shelter as its executive director, stated online that both staffers remained hospitalized on Monday.
As one might expect, both our visitors and employees are deeply disturbed and mourning," the statement read. "We have begun discussions and meetings with the staff and visitors to explore potential enhancements in security measures as much as possible going ahead.
Williams was traveling by bus from Portland to Deschutes County when he disembarked in Salem on Saturday, as per detectives from the Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit. The following evening, Williams showed up at the shelter.
"I find it hard to believe that such an event occurred. Our primary concerns are for those currently hospitalized and for individuals who recently visited the site. This is quite challenging to come to terms with," stated Salem Mayor Julie Hoy.
Bobby Epperly was on the second floor when he said he saw the man screaming outside at traffic and holding a knife, the Salem Statesman Journal reported.
"It's like a horror movie," Epperly said. He said he did not realise some people had already been stabbed inside the building until he went downstairs and saw "blood everywhere".
As many as 150 men find sanctuary at the shelter every evening, states its webpage.
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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.
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