WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah: A 48-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a Muslim man multiple times inside a shopping mall in Utah, with investigators saying the suspect admitted targeting the victim because of his religion.
The victim, a kiosk employee at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, remains in critical condition after sustaining multiple stab wounds, according to police.
What Happened During the Attack?
According to court records, the suspect approached the victim, asked about his name and religion, and then allegedly launched the attack.
Police said the victim suffered multiple stab wounds and was bleeding heavily when officers arrived. Bystanders restrained the suspect until law enforcement reached the scene.
The suspect, identified as Peter Michael Larsen, was later taken into custody and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on charges including attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.
Investigators said the suspect told officers he had intentionally targeted the victim because he was Muslim and stated that he “intends to kill Muslims.”
How Have Authorities and Rights Groups Responded?
Police said the suspect poses a significant danger to the public, citing his alleged violent actions, extremist ideology and references to planned mass-casualty attacks contained in court documents.
The suspect was also treated for injuries sustained after being subdued by members of the public before being transferred to jail.
The victim remains hospitalised in critical condition and is undergoing multiple surgeries, according to information shared by family representatives and supporters.
Muslim civil rights organisations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns raised by rights advocates over anti-Muslim hate crimes and Islamophobia in the United States.