West Valley City — A man was taken into custody Monday after authorities say he stabbed a Muslim kiosk worker multiple times inside the Valley Fair Mall and told police he targeted the victim because of his religion.
The suspect, identified in jail records as Peter Michael Larsen, 48, was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on an investigation of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, according to court and jail records. The victim, a male employee who was working at a mall kiosk, was transported to a hospital in critical condition, police said.
What happened inside the mall
Salt Lake County police said the attacker approached the kiosk worker, asked for his name and about his faith, then requested a bottle of water. As the victim turned away, investigators say the suspect began stabbing him. Bystanders subdued the assailant and held him until officers arrived, a police affidavit says.
"He had targeted the victim with intent to kill him because of his religion [Muslim],"
The affidavit also says the suspect told authorities he "intends to kill Muslims." The attacker sustained injuries while he was restrained by bystanders and received medical treatment before being booked, jail records show.
Authorities and community response
Local Muslim leaders and civil-rights groups condemned the attack. Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center, who has been in contact with the victim's family, described the incident to local reporters and said the victim suffered severe wounds while performing routine work at the mall.
The attack has prompted concern about anti-Muslim sentiment. National organizations such as the Council on American–Islamic Relations have decried the incident and called for swift investigation and accountability.
Practical information for residents
- Police urge anyone with information or video from Valley Fair Mall on Monday to contact the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office or local West Valley City police.
- A GoFundMe page set up by a friend of the victim indicated the man suffered extensive injuries and required surgeries; the page was cited by family contacts in media reports.
- Shoppers and employees at Valley Fair Mall are encouraged to be aware of available resources and to report suspicious activity immediately.
The alleged targeting because of religion will be a focal point of the ongoing inquiry. Prosecutors and investigators have not yet announced formal hate-crime charges; the case remains under investigation and additional charges could follow as authorities review evidence and statements.
Case summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Valley Fair Mall, West Valley City |
| Suspect | Peter Michael Larsen, 48 |
| Charges (booked for) | Investigation of attempted murder; prohibited dangerous weapon conduct |
| Victim | Male kiosk worker; Muslim; hospitalized in critical condition |
| Initial motive reported | Suspect told police he targeted the victim because of his religion |
Investigators continue to gather witness statements and review video from the mall. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact local law enforcement. This story will be updated as officials release further details.
Miles Christensen is the Utah correspondent for News Block.
