Key facts
- Peter Michael Larsen was charged with two counts of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder.
- The attack occurred earlier this week at the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, Utah.
- Larsen allegedly told police he intended to kill Muslims and chose the location because he knew Muslims would be there.
- The victim sustained multiple stab wounds and required surgeries.
- Bystanders subdued Larsen until law enforcement arrived.
Prosecutors in Utah have filed two counts of attempted aggravated murder against Peter Michael Larsen, who allegedly stabbed a Muslim man multiple times earlier this week. The attack, which occurred at the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, is being treated as a potential hate crime.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated that Larsen targeted the victim because of his religion and expressed a desire to be a catalyst for removing Muslims from the country. According to charging documents, Larsen said he would have killed as many Muslims as possible if they were in close proximity and chose the mall location specifically because he knew Muslims would be present.