Indian national stabbed in U.S. over his religion: reports
An Indian national was stabbed 15 times in a Utah shopping mall in an incident that authorities are investigating as a hate crime. The suspect, Peter Michael Larsen, allegedly targeted the victim specifically because of his religious beliefs.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing issue of hate crimes and religious intolerance in the United States.
An Indian man was allegedly stabbed 15 times inside a shopping mall near Salt Lake City in the U.S. state of Utah because of his religion, media reports said.
Syed Sohailuddin, a worker in the Valley City Mall in West Valley City, Utah, was allegedly stabbed on Monday afternoon (July 13, 2026) by Peter Michael Larsen, who asked the victim his religion, Fox 13 News reported.
The suspect, Larsen, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and carrying a prohibited dangerous weapon. He told police he targeted the employee over his religious beliefs, according to the court records, ABC News reported.
Sohailuddin was transported to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. Larsen was also hospitalised with injuries suffered after he was punched in the head by those who stepped in to stop the alleged assault.
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