New Delhi: A man from Hyderabad who was stabbed multiple times in a mall in the American state of Utah on 13 July was targeted because of his religion, his family says. Syed Sohailuddin, 37, was attacked in the Valley Fair Mall, where he worked, and is currently under treatment at a hospital, his family said.
The West Valley City Police Department said in a statement that on 13 July, just before 3 PM, a male suspect approached a male employee working at a kiosk at Valley Fair Mall.
“After a brief interaction, the suspect pulled out a knife and began stabbing him multiple times. A few bystanders interfered and were able to separate the suspect from the victim and subdue him until police arrived,” it said.
Police said the victim was undergoing surgery at the hospital and the suspect was in police custody. “There is no threat to the public.”
Police also said they were investigating “any possible motives and any possible relationship between the suspect and the victim”.
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“Was attacked for being Muslim”
Sohail’s wife, Amrin Firdous, who was an engineering student in Utah, told ThePrint her husband was attacked because of his religion.
“Sohail was attacked for being Muslim. The detective investigating the case said that the attacker said in his police statement that he targeted him because of his religion. This is scary and shocking. Why would somebody resort to this kind of brutality?” she said.
She said her husband moved to the US a year ago for work. “We had a comfortable life, everything was going well. My husband was working at the mall, and our two children were being taken care of, but everything changed on Monday,” she said.
Amrin said that on the day of the incident, the accused asked Sohail for a bottle of water.
“Sohail told him that he would get it for him. All of a sudden, the accused asked him his name and where he was from. To which Sohail replied that he was Indian. He stepped back for a minute, whipped out a knife, said ‘You people deserve this’, and began stabbing him multiple times,” Amrin said.
Sohail tried to grab the knife using his hands.
“He even asked the attacker what he had done, why he was getting stabbed, but the man did not stop. His colleague, Wajid, intervened to help him out, but was also attacked. Finally, after some time, the man was brought under control. But by then, Sohail had lost consciousness. He was admitted to the hospital,” she added.
Amrin, who is alone in the US, said her husband was admitted to the ICU.
“He underwent hand surgery Wednesday. Two veins are damaged. It will take at least six months. He has around 40-50 stitches on his entire body. He will be kept under medical observation for some time,” she said.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Sohail’s neighbourhood in Hyderabad.
A relative told ThePrint that Sohail sustained 15 stab injuries to his collarbone, back and rib cage. There was heavy bleeding around the lower abdomen.
No medical insurance, colleagues pool in money
Amrin said Sohail does not have medical insurance. His colleagues at the mall have now organised a GoFundMe fundraiser on his behalf to help pay for his treatment.
“Sohail is a devoted husband and father who has always worked hard to support his family. Recently, Sohail was the victim of a horrific hate crime, suffering over 15 stab wounds. He is now in critical condition, facing multiple surgeries for his hands, heart, and lungs. The road ahead is long and uncertain, and his family is deeply worried about his recovery and well-being,” it said.
“Sohail does not have health insurance, and the medical bills for his emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing physical therapy are overwhelming. As the main provider for his wife and children, Sohail’s absence has left his family in a vulnerable position, both emotionally and financially,” it added.
As of Thursday evening, the GoFundMe fundraiser had raised more than $241,000 of the total target of $300,000.
Sohail’s family in India is trying to meet him and has contacted the Indian government for assistance in the matter.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco said Thursday it was saddened by the stabbing incident involving an Indian national in Utah. “The Consulate is in close contact with the friends and family and stands ready to provide all possible consular assistance. We remain engaged with local authorities and will continue to monitor the matter closely.”
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco is deeply saddened by the tragic stabbing incident involving an Indian national in Utah. The Consulate is in close contact with the friends and family and stands ready to provide all possible consular assistance. We remain engaged…
— India in San Francisco (@CGISFO) July 15, 2026
The Utah Islamic Center said in a statement on Thursday: “According to law enforcement, the suspect was arrested at the scene and reportedly stated that Br. Sohail was targeted because he is Muslim.”
The centre thanked the people who helped Sohail. “By risking their own safety, they intervened and helped save Br. Sohail from his assailant. Their courage embodies the very best of our Utah community. Hatred has no place in Utah. Every person deserves to live, work, and worship without fear because of their faith or identity,” it said.
(Edited by Sugita Katyal)