Utah, US: An Indian-origin man sustained multiple stab injuries after being allegedly attacked inside a shopping mall in the US state of Utah in what investigators believe may have been a religion-motivated assault.
The victim, identified as Syed Sohailuddin, was working at a store in Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City when the incident unfolded on Monday afternoon. According to local media reports, the attacker approached Sohailuddin, questioned him about his religion and then allegedly launched a violent assault.
Police said the victim suffered approximately 15 stab wounds before the suspect was restrained and later taken into custody. Emergency responders rushed the injured man to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.
The accused, identified as Peter Michael Larsen, has been arrested and booked on charges including attempted murder and possession of a prohibited dangerous weapon. Court documents cited by US media indicate that Larsen allegedly admitted to targeting the victim because of his religious identity.
Investigators are examining whether the case qualifies as a hate-motivated crime, although authorities have not yet announced any additional charges related to bias or hate crime statutes.
The attack has sparked concern among members of the local Indian and South Asian communities, with many expressing shock over the incident and calling for a thorough investigation.
Law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence, including witness statements and surveillance footage from the shopping complex, as the investigation progresses.
The condition of the victim has not been officially disclosed, while authorities have urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward.
