SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Diya TV) — The Consulate General of India in San Francisco is expressing deep sorrow after a white man allegedly targeted an Indian Muslim man in a brutal stabbing attack at a shopping mall near Salt Lake City. The victim, Hyderabad resident Syed Sohailuddin, suffered more than 15 stab wounds and remains in critical condition, according to officials. The incident has sparked fresh concerns about the safety of Indian nationals living in the United States.
The Indian mission said it remains in close contact with Sohailuddin’s family and friends. It also assured them that it stands ready to provide every possible consular service during the ongoing medical emergency. In a statement posted on X, the consulate said it continues to work with local authorities and will closely monitor the case.
Authorities in Utah arrested 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen on suspicion of attempted murder and carrying a prohibited dangerous weapon. Police said Larsen admitted that he repeatedly stabbed Sohailuddin because he believed the victim was Muslim. Investigators said Larsen told officers that he intended to kill Muslims.
According to court documents, prosecutors argued that Larsen should remain in custody because he poses a serious threat to public safety. The affidavit stated that his violent actions and extremist beliefs make his release dangerous.
Officials also said Larsen was on parole for a previous violent felony at the time of the attack. Witnesses stepped in during the incident and managed to take the knife away from the suspect before police officers arrived at Valley Fair Mall. Their quick actions likely prevented further injuries.
A witness told FOX 13 News that Larsen approached Sohailuddin before the attack and asked several personal questions. The suspect reportedly asked where the victim came from, what his name was, and whether he was Muslim. Shortly afterward, police said, Larsen launched the stabbing attack.
Meanwhile, Sohailuddin continues to receive treatment at a local hospital. Doctors have not released additional details about his condition. However, his family in Hyderabad remains hopeful and continues to pray for his recovery. They have also appealed for support as they wait for updates from the United States.
At the same time, members of the Indian community in the United States have expressed shock over the attack. Many have called for every possible form of assistance for Sohailuddin and his family. In addition, several community members have urged authorities to speed up emergency humanitarian visas so close relatives can travel from India to be with him during his treatment.
Furthermore, the case has renewed discussions about the safety of Indians living and working across the United States. Community leaders say violent attacks create fear among students, professionals, and families who have moved abroad for education and employment.
The latest stabbing follows other deadly incidents involving Indian nationals in recent months. Last month, 28-year-old Telangana native Anshul Kuncha died after a shooting in Philadelphia. Investigators said someone lured him to a vacant apartment through a fake pizza delivery request before the attack. Police later arrested a 14-year-old suspect and charged the teenager with murder.
Earlier, in October 2025, Hyderabad student Chandrashekar Pole was shot and killed while working part-time at a convenience store in Dallas, Texas. That case also drew widespread attention in India and raised concerns about the security of Indian students working while pursuing higher education in the United States.
