West Valley City, Utah — A Utah man was arrested after police said he stabbed a Muslim kiosk worker multiple times inside Valley Fair Mall and later admitted he targeted the victim because of his religion.
Court records cited by The Guardian say 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen was booked into the Salt Lake County jail for investigation of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. Police said Larsen told investigators he intended to kill Muslims and described him as a danger to the public if released.
The victim was hospitalized in critical condition. Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center told the Salt Lake Tribune that the suspect asked the worker his name and religion before requesting water. When the worker turned away, the attacker allegedly began stabbing him.
Authorities said bystanders pinned the suspect to the ground before officers arrived. Local reports said the victim required emergency surgery after the attack.
Muslim civil rights groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the stabbing and called attention to rising anti-Muslim hate. Police have not announced formal charges, and the case remains under investigation.
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