A 48-year-old man was arrested in the US state of Utah after allegedly stabbing a Muslim shopping centre worker multiple times in what police say was a religion-motivated attack.
The incident occurred on Monday at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, where the victim suffered multiple stab wounds and was taken to hospital in critical condition. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly admitted he targeted the man because he was Muslim.
Police identified the suspect as Peter Michael Larsen, who has been booked into Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. Court documents state that Larsen allegedly told officers he intended to kill Muslims and was considered a significant danger to the public due to his violent actions and extremist beliefs.
Authorities said members of the public intervened and restrained the suspect until police arrived. Larsen was also treated in hospital for injuries sustained while being subdued before being taken into custody.
According to local reports, the suspect approached the victim, asked his name and religion, and requested a bottle of water. As the victim turned away, he allegedly launched the attack. A fundraising page organised by a friend said the victim was stabbed 15 times and required multiple surgeries.
The assault has drawn condemnation from Muslim advocacy organisations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which described the attack as an act of anti-Muslim violence.
