Muslim man who allegedly stabbed two men over religion not charged with hate crime

Man allegedly asked two men if they were Muslim before attacking them

(Getty Images)

A Detroit man who allegedly attacked two men after asking if they were Muslims has not been charged with a hate crime by prosecutors in Oakland County, Michigan.

Terrence Lavaron Thomas allegedly stabbed one man five times and another – who police said tried to intervene – allegedly was stabbed in the hand. The men were treated at the hospital and have since been released.

The alleged attack happened at a bus stop in Southfield, Michigan, a suburb of Detriot, and police arrested Mr Thomas shortly after. Mr Thomas allegedly was carrying two knives and some marijuana, and told police he was a Muslim.

Mr Thomas has been charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, one count of carrying a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a controlled substance, according to police.

The magistrate set Mr Thomas’ bond at $1 million.

Police say Mr Thomas was incoherent when they arrested him. He allegedly asked the men if they were Muslim and when they said they were not, he allegedly began attacking one of the men.

Despite the local prosecutor’s decision not to charge Mr Thomas with a hate crime, the FBI continues to investigate. Mr Thomas will have a pre-trial exam on 4 March.

Follow Payton Guion on Twitter @PaytonGuion.