Police in West Valley City, Utah, say a 48-year-old man stabbed a Muslim man working at a kiosk inside Valley Fair Mall on Monday and told investigators he targeted the victim because of his religion. Multiple outlets report the suspect allegedly repeatedly stabbed the victim, who suffered multiple stab wounds and is hospitalized in critical condition.
According to court records and police affidavits described by outlets, the suspect told authorities he “intends to kill Muslims” and said he would be a “substantial danger to the public” if released, citing alleged violent ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events. Investigators also said the suspect pinned the victim down during the attack until bystanders subdued him before police arrived.
Several outlets name the suspect as Peter Michael Larsen. Reports also describe a court process in which authorities booked him into the Salt Lake County jail and, in one account, prosecutors later charged him with attempted aggravated murder. Community figures and rights groups, including Muslim advocacy organizations, condemned the incident. Authorities have not reported a detailed motive beyond the alleged religious targeting as described in filings and statements.
