Utah prosecutors file attempted murder charges in stabbing of Muslim man

Prosecutors in Salt Lake County, Utah, have filed two counts of attempted aggravated murder against Peter Michael Larsen, who is accused of stabbing a Muslim man at the Valley Fair Mall on Monday. The Salt Lake County District Attorney's office stated that the charges include potential hate crime enhancements, habitual violent offender status, and the use of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

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In the filed information document, notices are given for a potential hate crime, the defendant as a habitual violent offender, and use of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

According to charging documents, Larsen allegedly told police he "intends to kill Muslims" and targeted the victim specifically because of his religion. He reportedly expressed a desire to "be a catalyst so people would rid the country of Muslims" and stated he would have killed as many as possible if he could have moved between Muslims in close proximity. Larsen allegedly chose the mall location because he knew Muslims would be present.

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An alleged unprovoked attack on anyone in our community is unacceptable, but an attack allegedly motivated because of the victim's religion is alarming.

The victim suffered "multiple stab wounds all over his body" and was bleeding profusely, with a friend reporting he needed surgeries after being stabbed 15 times. Bystanders reportedly subdued Larsen before law enforcement arrived. He was booked into the Salt Lake County jail. Authorities noted that Larsen's actions and stated ideologies indicated he posed a "substantial danger to the public if released."

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intends to kill Muslims

US rights advocates have noted a rise in Islamophobia since the September 11, 2001, attacks. The article references past deadly attacks, including a 2023 stabbing of a Muslim child in Illinois and a 2026 shooting at a San Diego mosque.

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he had targeted the ​victim with intent to kill him because of his religion