Hate crime? Two men say they were stabbed for not being Muslim

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Police have asked the FBI to look into whether a double-stabbing in Michigan is a federal hate crime, after the victims said they believe they were attacked because they are not Muslim.

Police say two men were stabbed at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, at a bus stop outside of the Northland Center Mall in Southfield, Mich.

"They had discussions about religion before the incident took place, and the suspect indicated he was Muslim," Deputy Police Chief Nick Loussia told 48 Hours' Crimesider Wednesday. "The stabbing happened after the victims indicated that they were not."

One victim, a 52-year-old, suffered wounds to the head, neck and back, police said. The other victim, a 51-year-old, suffered a wound to the hand. Both are Detroit residents. It doesn't appear that the suspect, 39-year-old Terrence Thomas, and the victims knew each other prior to the attack, according to police.

Southfield officers located Thomas nearby and he was taken into custody without incident. He was found with two knives, according to police.

Both victims were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released.

Thomas was arraigned Tuesday on two counts of assault with intent to murder, one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and possession of marijuana. Bond was set at$1 million. He's due back in court for a preliminary exam on March 4.

Loussia said the FBI has not yet determined if any federal laws, including hate crime laws, were violated.