WEST JORDAN, Utah (KUTV) — The stabbing of a Muslim man at Valley Fair Mall has renewed questions about the prevalence of hate crimes in Utah and how law enforcement identifies people who may be moving from extremist rhetoric toward violence.
Prosecutors have filed a victim-targeting penalty enhancement in connection with the attack, the term used under Utah law for what is commonly called a hate-crime enhancement.
The victim, identified as Sohail, was stabbed about a dozen times. He has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, according to remarks shared during a community town hall Wednesday at the Utah Islamic Center.
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The town hall brought together law enforcement officers, elected officials, interfaith leaders and community members to discuss safety and ways to combat hate crimes following the attack. Speakers included Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, West Jordan Mayor Dick Burton, police chief Jeremy Robertson, a representative from the FBI, interfaith leaders, and several victims of Islamophobia…