Muslim man critically injured in suspected hate attack at Utah Mall

A 48-year-old man has been arrested in the US state of Utah after allegedly stabbing a Muslim man multiple times in what police are investigating as a

A 48-year-old man has been arrested in the US state of Utah after allegedly stabbing a Muslim man multiple times in what police are investigating as a religion-based hate attack.

The incident took place inside Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City on Monday. According to police, the victim, who worked at a kiosk inside the shopping mall, suffered multiple stab wounds and was found bleeding heavily when officers arrived at the scene.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly admitted that he deliberately targeted the victim because he was Muslim. Court documents state that the accused also told officers he intended to kill Muslims, prompting authorities to describe him as a serious threat to public safety.

Witnesses at the mall quickly intervened after the attack. Bystanders managed to overpower the suspect and held him on the ground until police reached the scene and took him into custody.

The suspect, identified as Peter Michael Larsen, has been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited dangerous weapon. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to people familiar with the incident, the suspect approached the victim before the attack and asked about his name and religion. He then reportedly requested a bottle of water. As the victim turned to get the water, the suspect allegedly launched the knife attack.

The injured man was rushed to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Friends and members of the local community said he suffered around 15 stab wounds and has undergone multiple surgeries. A fundraising campaign has also been launched to help cover his medical expenses.

The suspect was also treated at a hospital after sustaining injuries while being restrained by members of the public during the incident.

Muslim organizations across the United States strongly condemned the attack, describing it as another alarming example of religious hatred and anti-Muslim violence. Community leaders called for a thorough investigation and urged authorities to ensure the suspect is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Civil rights groups have repeatedly warned that incidents targeting Muslims have increased in recent years due to rising Islamophobia, anti-immigration sentiment, extremist ideologies, and tensions linked to international conflicts.