Indian National Stabbed 15 Times in Suspected Hate Crime at US Mall

TDT | Manama | Email : online@newsofbahrain.com 

An Indian Muslim man is in critical condition after being stabbed multiple times in what authorities are investigating as a suspected hate crime at a shopping mall in the US state of Utah.

The attack took place on Monday at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, where the victim, identified by friends as Sohail, was working at a retail kiosk. Police have arrested 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, who has been charged with attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. He is being held at the Salt Lake County jail.

According to court documents cited by US media, the suspect allegedly admitted he deliberately targeted the victim because he was Muslim and told investigators that he intended to kill Muslims.

Witnesses said the suspect first approached Sohail and asked where he was from. After learning he was from India, Larsen allegedly asked if he was Muslim. When Sohail answered yes, the suspect reportedly launched the knife attack.

The Utah Islamic Center said the suspect had also asked the victim for a bottle of water before pulling out a knife and attacking him as he turned away.

A fundraising campaign organised by friends said Sohail was stabbed 15 times. He has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition.

Shoppers and mall employees intervened during the attack, restraining the suspect until police officers arrived. Authorities said the suspect posed a significant danger to the public, citing his alleged extremist views and statements made during the investigation.

Friends described Sohail as the sole provider for his wife and two young children. His colleagues remembered him as a hardworking and kind individual, condemning the attack and calling for an end to religious hatred.

Witnesses also claimed the suspect had been walking around the shopping centre asking people about their religion before the stabbing.

The incident has renewed concerns over anti-Muslim hate crimes in the United States, with civil rights groups warning of rising religiously motivated violence amid heightened social and political tensions.