Indian National Stabbed in US Mall; Suspect Allegedly Targeted Him over Religion

Washington: An Indian man was allegedly stabbed 15 times inside a shopping mall near Salt Lake City in the US state of Utah in what authorities are investigating as a religion-motivated attack, according to media reports.

The victim, identified as Syed Sohailuddin, was working at Valley City Mall in West Valley City on Monday afternoon when the suspect, Peter Michael Larsen, allegedly asked him about his religion before launching the attack, Fox 13 News reported. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds and is receiving medical treatment.

Larsen was arrested due to mistrust of attempted murder. Carrying a prohibited dangerous weapon is another reason for his arrest. According to court records cited by ABC News, the suspect told police he targeted the Indian employee because of his religious beliefs. The incident remains under investigation.