Man stabbed multiple times in suspected religiously motivated attack in Utah

Man stabbed multiple times in suspected religiously motivated attack in Utah
A man reads the Koran in a prayer hall at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York in the Manhattan borough of New York 26 August 2010.
Reuters

A Muslim man was stabbed multiple times at a shopping mall in Utah after a suspect allegedly targeted him because of his religion, according to police.

The attack took place on Monday at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City. Police said the victim, a Muslim kiosk worker, suffered multiple stab wounds and was hospitalised in critical condition.

The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, was restrained by bystanders before officers arrived.

According to a police affidavit, Larsen told investigators he targeted the victim because he was Muslim and said he "intends to kill Muslims."

The suspect was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges including attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. He was also treated for injuries sustained while being subdued.

According to local media, the suspect approached the victim, asked his name and religion, and requested a bottle of water before launching the attack as the victim turned away.

The incident comes amid ongoing concerns over anti-Muslim hate crimes in the United States, with civil rights groups warning of rising Islamophobia in recent years.

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