Utah Mall Attack: Man Stabbed 15 Times After Being Asked 'Are You Muslim?

THE REPORT - VALLEY FAIR MALL, UTAH - JULY 2026.

A Muslim man was stabbed multiple times inside the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, Utah in what police are calling a religion-based attack.

What Happened:

Location & Time: The incident took place on Monday inside Valley Fair Mall.

Victim: The victim was a male Muslim kiosk worker.

   A GoFundMe page set up by a friend said he was stabbed 15 times and needed surgeries. He was hospitalized in critical condition.

Suspect: Identified as Peter Michael Larsen, 48.

   He was booked into Salt Lake County jail on charges of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. 

Police Statement:

According to court records, the suspect told police he "intends to kill Muslims"and targeted the victim because of his religion (Muslim).

Police said he constituted “a substantial danger to the public if released based on his violent actions... ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events”. 

Imam Shuaib Din, who leads the Utah Islamic Center, said the suspect asked the victim for his name, asked about his religion, and asked for a bottle of water. As the victim turned to get the water, the attacker began stabbing him. 

Bystanders Intervened:

Authorities said the suspect was pinned to the ground by bystanders before officers arrived.

The attacker was also hospitalized for wounds sustained while being subdued. 

Community Reaction:

The attack has sparked concerns about rising Islamophobia in the US. Community leaders called it a hate crime targeting religious minorities. 

KEY FACTS:

Where: Valley Fair Mall, West Valley City, Utah

Victim: Muslim kiosk worker, stabbed 15 times, critical condition

Suspect: Peter Michael Larsen, 48, arrested for attempted murder

Motive: Police say suspect targeted victim "because of his religion (Muslim)" e360

 This is a developing story. Investigation is ongoing.