Overview
- A man working at a kiosk inside Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City was stabbed about 15 times after a stranger asked about his name, origin and religion; the victim remains in critical condition after multiple surgeries.
- Mall bystanders overpowered the attacker, removed the knife and held him until officers arrived, and the suspect was treated for injuries before being booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of attempted murder and prohibited‑weapon conduct.
- Court documents say the 48‑year‑old suspect told police he targeted the victim because he was Muslim and said he “intends to kill Muslims,” and prosecutors are now reviewing the investigation to determine formal charges.
- The victim has been identified in local reports as Syed Sohail (also reported as Syed Sohailuddin), his family has received consular support from the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and friends have set up fundraising to cover medical costs.
- Local Muslim leaders and civil‑rights groups condemned the attack and warned it reflects rising anti‑Muslim hostility in the U.S., with officials noting the suspect’s 2022 violent incident when arguing he poses a substantial danger if released.