An Indian Muslim man was stabbed multiple times inside a shopping mall in the US state of Utah in what authorities are treating as a suspected religiously motivated attack.
The victim, Syed Sohailuddin, a Hyderabad resident who worked at a kiosk in the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City near Salt Lake City, was allegedly attacked on Monday by 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen.
According to court documents cited by US media, Larsen has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and carrying a prohibited dangerous weapon.
Suspect Allegedly Targeted Victim Because of His Religion
According to police, the suspect approached Sohailuddin and first asked his name and whether he was Muslim. He then reportedly asked for a bottle of water. As the victim turned to get it, Larsen allegedly began stabbing him.
Police said Sohailuddin suffered around 15 stab wounds and was rushed to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He remains in critical condition.
Authorities alleged that Larsen admitted he targeted the victim because of his religious beliefs.
According to court records, the accused told police that he “intends to kill Muslims” and believed he was “a catalyst.”
Police also told the court that Larsen “constitutes a substantial danger to the public if released” because of “his violent actions, ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events.”
Bystanders Overpowered the Attacker
Witnesses at the mall intervened during the attack, disarming Larsen before police officers arrived. The suspect also sustained injuries after being punched by bystanders trying to stop the assault and was later taken to hospital.
Reports said Larsen was on parole for a previous violent felony at the time of the attack.
Indian Consulate Extends Assistance
Reacting to the incident, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed concern and said it is in touch with the victim’s family and local authorities.
“The Consulate is in close contact with the friends and family and stands ready to provide all possible consular assistance. We remain engaged with local authorities and will continue to monitor the matter closely,” the mission said in a post on X.
