US: Stabbing suspected to be related to Islam

A man "referred to Allah" and stabbed eight people at a shopping center in Minnesota, USA, before being killed by police.

People stand outside the Crossroads Center shopping mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on September 17. Photo: AP.

The incident occurred at around 8:15 p.m. on September 17 at the Crossroads Center shopping mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

The suspect "asked at least one person if they were Muslim before attacking," AFP quoted St. Cloud police chief Blair Anderson as saying. Eight people were hospitalized but their injuries were not life-threatening.

The suspect, who was wearing a private security uniform, was traveling alone and carrying at least one knife. He confronted a police officer and was shot dead. Anderson stressed that they did not yet know the attacker's motive and could not yet conclude whether the incident was related to terrorism.

Crossroads Center was temporarily closed following the attack. Local media reported that people were allowed to leave the mall late yesterday. Police are investigating the incident.

"It was a horrible day," Anderson said.

According to VNE