Muslim man stabbed multiple times in Utah over his religion, police say

A man was arrested Tuesday after stabbing a Muslim kiosk worker multiple times at a Utah mall, with police saying he targeted the victim because of his religion.

The suspect told investigators he "intends to kill Muslims," according to court records.

What happened in the Utah mall stabbing?

The attack took place inside Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, Utah, on Monday.

Police said in an affidavit that the male victim suffered multiple stab wounds across his body and was bleeding profusely. Bystanders pinned the attacker to the ground before officers arrived at the scene.

Who is the suspect in the Utah stabbing?

The suspect, identified as Peter Michael Larsen, 48, was booked into Salt Lake County jail on charges including attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, according to jail records released Tuesday.

Police said Larsen described himself as a danger to the public "based on his violent actions... ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events." He was also hospitalized for injuries sustained while bystanders restrained him.

How did the attack unfold?

According to the police booking affidavit, Larsen approached the victim, a Muslim kiosk worker, and asked for his name and religion before requesting a bottle of water.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported, citing Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center, that Larsen began stabbing the victim as he turned to retrieve the water. Din had been in contact with the victim's family following the attack.

What is the victim's condition?

The victim was hospitalized in critical condition.

A friend launched a GoFundMe page stating he had been stabbed 15 times and would require multiple surgeries. He has not been publicly named in police or family accounts.

How have Muslim rights groups responded?

The Council on American-Islamic Relations was among the Muslim rights organizations that condemned the attack. Advocacy groups have pointed to rising Islamophobia in the US over the past two decades, tracing it to the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks. More recent factors cited include anti-immigration policies, white supremacist activity and fallout from Israel's war in Gaza.

Have there been similar attacks on Muslims in the US?

Recent years have seen several deadly attacks targeting Muslims. In 2023, a 6-year-old Muslim child was stabbed to death in Illinois; his killer was sentenced to 53 years in prison and later died in custody.

In May 2026, a shooting at a San Diego mosque left five dead, including two teenage suspects.