Utah: An Indian-origin man was stabbed 15 times inside a mall in the United States’ Utah on Monday after being asked his religion.
The victim suffered multiple stab injuries across his body and was “bleeding profusely,” the police said.
He has been identified as Sohail. The incident happened inside the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, Utah, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The suspect, Peter Michael Larsen (48), was booked and sent to Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, jail records revealed.
According to the report, Sohail, who worked at a jewellery brand’s kiosk in the mall, was allegedly attacked after Larsen first asked him for a bottle of water.
The suspect assaulted Sohail when he turned to get the bottle, Reuters reported. Larsen allegedly questioned Sohail about his identity before the attack, including where he was from and his religion, according to victim’s colleagues.
Sohail’s colleague and friend, Luna Nunez, who later visited him in hospital, recounted what the victim told her.
“He said (Larsen) asked, ‘Where are you from?’, and he told him, ‘I’m from India, my name’s Sohail,'” Nunez told ABC4. “Larsen said, ‘Are you Muslim?’ and Sohail said yes, and he just began stabbing him.”
The incident is being probed and the motive behind the attack has not yet been officially confirmed.
Sohail was apparently working a routine shift at a jewellery kiosk owned by Maga Incorporated Diamonds when the attack took place.
“He was just working, like every day,” said Adnan Mohammed, who owns the kiosk where Sohail worked. “He is a father; he has two kids. His kids were waiting home for their father. He was just working, providing for his family. I wish I was there to protect him. I would’ve given my life to protect him,” he added, according to ABC4.
He was grateful to the bystanders who stepped in and helped save Sohail’s life, Adnan said, adding their actions showed that humanity still exists. However, he added that the attack has deeply shaken the local community.
“It’s terrible. I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” he said, adding that the world should not turn to hate. “Work hard, be nice, spread love. There is not space for hate. I believe in only one religion which is humanity. First humanity, then everything.”
