A 48-year-old man has been arrested for stabbing a Muslim kiosk worker at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, Utah, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Peter Michael Larsen, allegedly targeted the victim because of his religion, telling investigators he "intends to kill Muslims," according to court records.
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The attack occurred on Monday, leaving the victim with multiple stab wounds. He was hospitalized in critical condition, having been stabbed 15 times and requiring multiple surgeries.
Bystanders subdued Larsen before police arrived.
Law enforcement noted in court documents that Larsen poses a "substantial danger to the public if released" due to his violent actions and extremist ideologies.
Details of the Attack
Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center provided details, stating that Larsen approached the victim under the pretense of asking for a drink.
As the victim turned to get water, Larsen began the assault.
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A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the victim's medical expenses.
Muslim rights groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the attack, pointing to a troubling rise in Islamophobia.
Advocates say such incidents have increased in recent years, fueled by anti-immigration policies and extremist ideologies.
The stabbing is part of a broader pattern of violence against Muslims in the U. S.
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, including a recent stabbing of a six-year-old Muslim child in Illinois and a shooting at a San Diego mosque that killed five people.
