United States: An Indian man was critically injured after being stabbed inside a shopping mall in Utah in what police are investigating as a suspected hate crime. The accused has been charged with attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.
According to police, the incident took place at Valley Fair Mall when the suspect approached the victim, identified by friends as Sohail, and asked about his nationality and religion before launching the attack.
Eyewitness Luna Nunez said, “He (Larsen) asked, ‘ Where are you from? ‘ and he told him, I’m from India, my name’s Sohail. Larsen asked are you Muslim? and Sohail said yes, and he just began stabbing him.”
Sohail was stabbed 15 times and has undergone multiple surgeries. He remains in critical condition.
Police said bystanders quickly intervened, restrained the suspect and held him until officers arrived. Investigators alleged the accused admitted targeting the victim because he was Muslim and said he “intends to kill Muslims”.
Friends described Sohail as the sole earning member of his family and condemned the attack, calling it a hate crime.
