Sohail GoFundMe: Fundraiser launched for Indian Muslim man stabbed 15 times at US mall; critical condition revealed
48-year-old man arrested for allegedly stabbing Indian Muslim man multiple times at a restaurant Valley Fair Mall said Monday in Utah that he chose his victims based on his religious beliefs, according to police.
Peter Michael Larsen booked into Salt Lake City county Jailed for attempted murder and possession of a weapon as a prohibited person.
Larson “claimed that he targeted the victim with the intent to kill him because of his religious beliefs (Muslim),” according to a police affidavit.
The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. Monday at Valley Fair Mall, 3601 S. 2700 West. According to West Valley Police, the victim is a male employed at a kiosk within the mall.
The family identified the victim’s name as Sohail.
Luna Nunez, who works with Sohail at Magma Diamonds in the mall, said the victim had no insurance. “He is the only working man in the family. He has two children and a wife, but they are not working now.”
Sohail GoFundMe reveals his condition is critical
follow hate crime After the incident, his friends started a GoFundMe campaign to help Sohail’s family while he was hospitalized.
“He is now in critical condition and faces multiple surgeries on his hands, heart and lungs. The road ahead is long and uncertain, and his family is very worried about his recovery and health,” the page reads.
“Sohail had no health insurance and the medical bills for his emergency care, surgeries and ongoing physical therapy were extremely high. As the primary breadwinner for his wife and children, Sohail’s absence left his family in an emotionally and financially vulnerable position.
The GoFundMe page added: “Please help us get Sohail the help he needs. Your support will go directly toward his medical expenses and recovery, giving him the opportunity to recover and return to his loved ones. Any donation, no matter the amount, makes an impact. Thank you for your kindness and support with Sohail and his family.”
To date, his fundraiser has received $76,452 of $100,000.
Stabbing at Valley Fair Mall
Larson was rushed to a nearby hospital for evaluation after bystanders tried to take the knife away from him, but he was struck in the head, the affidavit said.
When questioned by detectives, Larson said, “He believed he was a catalyst and that he intended to kill Muslims. (Larson) would pose a significant danger to the public if released based on his violent behavior today, his ideology, and his pre-planned mass casualty incident,” police said in the affidavit.
