'Are You Muslim?': American Man Viciously Stabs Indian 15 Times At Utah Mall In Horrific 'Hate Crime'
Larsen reportedly asked Sohail, “Where are you from?” to which the latter replied, “I'm from India, my name’s Sohail.” Larsen then asked, “Are you Muslim?” After hearing Sohail's reply, the accused started stabbing him repeatedly.
- World News
- 2 min read
Utah: An American man allegedly stabbed a Muslim mall worker 15 times after asking his religion and nationality. The incident took place inside Valley Fair Mall in broad daylight in West Valley City, Utah.
The 48-year-old accused, identified as Peter Michael Larsen, targeted the victim because of his religion, police said, adding that he confessed that he "intends to kill Muslims".
Larsen has been booked over attempted murder and prohibited dangerous conduct.
‘Are You Muslim?’
According to Utah Islamic Center Imam Shuaib Din, Larsen approached the victim, asked his name and religion, and requested a bottle of water. When he victim, identified as Sohail, turned to get the water, Larsen pulled out a knife and began attacking him.
Larsen had reportedly asked Sohail, “Where are you from?” to which the latter replied, “I'm from India, my name is Sohail.” Larsen then asked, “Are you Muslim?” After hearing Sohail's reply, the accused then allegedly started stabbing him.
Bystanders tackled Larsen and pinned him to the ground before police arrived and apprehended him.
Sohail In Critical Condition With No Health Insurance
Sohail's friend Luna Nunez described him as a devoted husband and father who has always worked hard to support his family. He added that Sohail was a victim of a horrific hate crime and is now in critical condition, facing multiple surgeries for his hands, heart, and lungs.
Nunez has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for his medical bills, saying, “Sohail does not have health insurance, and the medical bills for his emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing physical therapy are overwhelming."
As the main provider for his wife and children, Sohail’s absence has left his family in a “vulnerable position, both emotionally and financially”.
The GoFundMe page aims to raise $75,000 for Sohail.
Meanwhile, investigators said that Larsen constituted “a substantial danger to the public if released based on his violent actions…ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events.”
Published By : Nidhi Sinha
Published On: 15 July 2026 at 20:18 IST