Muslim Man Stabbed 15 Times in Utah; Suspect Admits Religious Motive

(Central News Agency, Washington, 14th – compiled international news) A knife attack occurred yesterday in West Valley City, Utah, where suspect Peter Michael Larsen allegedly stabbed a Muslim man at least 15 times. Larsen was arrested today and confessed to targeting the victim because of his religious beliefs.

The incident took place at the Valley Fair Shopping Center in West Valley City, Utah. The victim, 37-year-old Syed Sohail Uddin, was working at a kiosk in the mall when he was stabbed multiple times, resulting in severe bleeding. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

According to police court documents, Larsen admitted to having the 'intent to kill Muslims.' Authorities believe that if released, Larsen 'poses a significant threat to public safety due to his violent behavior, ideology, and premeditated intent to cause mass harm.' The male victim suffered 'multiple stab wounds across his body with uncontrolled bleeding.'

Officials reported that the suspect was restrained by bystanders before police arrived.

Reuters reported, citing prison records, that the 48-year-old suspect Larsen has been detained at Salt Lake County Jail on charges of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited dangerous weapon.

Police documents state that the suspect confessed to 'intending to kill the victim solely because of his Muslim identity.'

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, quoting Shuaib Din, an imam at the Utah Islamic Center, the suspect approached the victim, first asking for his name and religion, then claiming he wanted to buy a bottle of water.

The imam said that as Syed turned to retrieve the water, the attacker pulled out a knife and stabbed him.

The victim was hospitalized in critical condition. A friend has set up a GoFundMe page, stating that Syed sustained 15 stab wounds and requires surgery.

The attacker was also injured during the struggle to subdue him, was treated at a hospital, and then transferred to Salt Lake County Jail.

U.S. civil rights groups point out that Islamophobia has intensified over the past two decades since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In recent years, the situation has worsened due to anti-immigration policies, white supremacy movements, and the impact of Israel's war in Gaza. (Compiled by: Chi-Chin Ling) 1150715