Suspect allegedly admitted targeting the victim because of his faith and now faces attempted murder charges
An Indian national remains in critical condition after being repeatedly stabbed in what authorities believe was a religiously motivated attack at a shopping mall in the US state of Utah, prompting renewed concerns over hate crimes targeting minority communities.
The attack took place on Monday at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, where the victim, identified by friends as Sohail, was working at a retail kiosk. According to police and court documents, the suspect, 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, approached the victim, asked where he was from and whether he was Muslim before launching a knife attack.
Witnesses said the victim replied that he was from India and confirmed he was Muslim. Larsen allegedly stabbed him multiple times before bystanders intervened, disarmed the attacker and restrained him until police officers arrived. A fundraising campaign organised by friends said the victim suffered around 15 stab wounds and has undergone multiple surgeries. He remains in critical condition.
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Investigators said Larsen admitted during questioning that he deliberately targeted the victim because of his religion and claimed he “intended to kill Muslims”, according to charging documents
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He has been arrested on charges including attempted murder and possession of a prohibited dangerous weapon and is being held in the Salt Lake County Jail while prosecutors review the case
Community leaders and civil rights groups have condemned the attack, describing it as an apparent act of religious hatred. The incident has reignited concerns over the rise in bias-motivated violence in the United States and prompted calls for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Officials have not ruled out additional charges as the case progresses.
