‘I’m Muslim’: Indian Man Attacked With Knife In US, Fights For Life After Multiple Surgeries

Published 15 July 2026 · india

‘I’m Muslim’: Indian Man Attacked With Knife In US, Fights For Life After Multiple Surgeries Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 20:12 IST Indian

‘I’m Muslim’: Indian Man Attacked With Knife In US, Fights For Life After Multiple Surgeries Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 20:12 IST Indian man Sohail was allegedly stabbed 15 times at a Utah mall after revealing he was Muslim. The accused reportedly admitted targeting Muslims. The victim, identified as Sohail, was approached by Larsen at the mall, where the accused allegedly asked him about his religion. An Indian man was allegedly stabbed 15 times at a shopping mall in the US state of Utah in what authorities are investigating as a religion-based hate crime. The accused, identified as 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, allegedly told investigators that he attacked the victim because he was Muslim and said he “intends to kill Muslims," according to reports. The victim, identified as Sohail, was approached by Larsen at the mall, where the accused allegedly asked him about his religion. Sohail reportedly replied, “I’m from India… I’m Muslim." Moments later, Larsen allegedly asked Sohail for a bottle of water.

When Sohail turned around to get it, the accused allegedly attacked him with a knife, stabbing him multiple times, according to a report by The Salt Lake Tribune. Larsen was stopped by people in the mall and was tackled to the ground before officers arrived at the scene. Sohail suffered around 15 stab wounds and has undergone multiple surgeries following the attack. He remains hospitalised and his condition is said to be critical. His friend Luna Nunez, who works at a nearby jewellery store, said Sohail is the sole earning member of his family and does not have medical insurance. “I know he doesn’t have insurance. He’s the only man that is working in his family. He has two babies and a wife, and they are not working right now," Nunez told KSL. Nunez has also started a GoFundMe campaign to help support Sohail’s medical expenses and his family. Sohail’s manager at the mall, Adnan Mohammed, described the incident as a hate crime and condemned the attack.

“There’s no space for hate," Mohammed said. Nunez added that she heard from other mall workers that the suspect had been going around the mall, asking them about their religion. Larsen was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, according to jail records. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, including the alleged motive behind the stabbing. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What is the current condition of Sohail? Indian man Sohail is in critical condition after being allegedly stabbed 15 times in a Utah mall hate crime. The accused reportedly stated he targeted Muslims. Sohail has undergone multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized. Will Larsen face hate crime charges? Authorities are investigating the stabbing of an Indian man in Utah as a religion-based hate crime. The accused, Peter Michael Larsen, allegedly told investigators he attacked the victim because he was Muslim and intended to kill Muslims.