Indian Man Stabbed 15 Times In US Mall Attack Was Targeted For Being Muslim: Police
Indian Man Stabbed 15 Times In US Mall Attack Was Targeted For Being Muslim: Police Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 01:47 IST According
Indian Man Stabbed 15 Times In US Mall Attack Was Targeted For Being Muslim: Police Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 01:47 IST According to a police affidavit, Larsen told authorities he targeted the victim because he was Muslim and said he "intends to kill Muslims". The victim, identified as Sohail, suffered around 15 stab wounds and has undergone multiple surgeries following the attack. He remains hospitalised in critical condition. An Indian Muslim man who was stabbed 15 times at a shopping mall in Utah was targeted because of his religion, and the suspect allegedly intended to kill him, police said in court documents. The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, was arrested after the attack at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City on Monday. According to a police affidavit, Larsen told authorities he targeted the victim because he was Muslim and said he “intends to kill Muslims".
Police said the suspect posed a serious threat to the public because of his alleged violent actions, extremist views and claims of planning mass casualty events. Larsen has been booked into the Salt Lake County jail on investigation of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. Victim Remains Critical After Attack The victim, identified as Sohail, suffered around 15 stab wounds and has undergone multiple surgeries following the attack. He remains hospitalised in critical condition. According to Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center, who has been in contact with the victim’s family, the suspect allegedly approached Sohail, asked his name and religion, and requested a bottle of water before attacking him when he turned away. Authorities said the attacker was restrained by bystanders before police arrived. Larsen was also hospitalised for injuries sustained while being subdued.
Sohail’s friend Luna Nunez, who works at a nearby jewellery store, said he is the sole earning member of his family and does not have medical insurance. She has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his medical expenses and support his family. Muslim rights groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), condemned the attack. Rights advocates in the US have repeatedly raised concerns over rising anti-Muslim sentiment, linking it to extremist ideologies, hate campaigns and tensions surrounding global conflicts. (With inputs from Reuters) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered How are US authorities addressing rising anti-Muslim hate crimes? US authorities are investigating a stabbing at a Utah mall as a religion-based hate crime. The accused, Peter Michael Larsen, told investigators he targeted the victim because he was Muslim and intended to kill Muslims.
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