Authorities in Utah have charged a man with attempted aggravated murder following a stabbing attack reportedly motivated by religious animus. On Monday, Peter Michael Larsen allegedly attacked a Muslim man at the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, inflicting multiple stab wounds.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced on Friday that Larsen faces two counts of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder. In addition to the charges, prosecutors have included notices indicating the possibility of a hate crime enhancement, designation of Larsen as a habitual violent offender, and allegations related to the use of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

According to police reports, the victim suffered severe injuries, including numerous stab wounds and significant blood loss. A friend of the victim stated that he was stabbed 15 times and required surgical intervention.

Law enforcement officers said Larsen confessed to deliberately targeting the victim due to his religion. Statements attributed to Larsen indicate a broader intent to harm Muslims generally; he reportedly told investigators he “intended to kill Muslims” and aspired “to be a catalyst so people would rid the country of Muslims.” The charging documents further detail that Larsen planned to attack multiple Muslim individuals in close proximity and chose the mall location because he believed there would be Muslim targets present.

Bystanders intervened at the scene, restraining Larsen until police arrived. He was subsequently taken into custody and booked into Salt Lake County Jail. District Attorney Gill characterized the attack as unprovoked and emphasized its troubling motivation rooted in religious hatred, describing Larsen as a substantial danger to the community based on his violent actions and extremist ideologies.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to assess the full circumstances of the assault and any potential additional threats.