The attack on a shopping mall worker in Utah has moved to the federal level with a federal hate crime indictment against 48-year-old Peter Larsen. A federal grand jury accused Larsen of intentionally causing bodily harm to the victim because of his religion.
Larsen could face life in prison if convicted. However, the charges filed in the case do not constitute a final conviction.
Details of the attack
After the incident at West Valley Mall in Utah on July 13, Larsen, who lives in Orem, was taken into custody. He has remained in state custody since the attack.
The U.S. Department of Justice said its investigation found that Larsen held anti-Muslim views and had gone to the mall specifically to attack Muslims.
The department said Larsen bought a knife inside the mall and asked employees whether they were Muslim before the attack. Larsen then approached the victim and was restrained by bystanders until police arrived.
The victim, identified only as Sohail in a fundraising campaign, was stabbed more than 15 times. Sohail underwent multiple surgeries for severe injuries to his hands, heart and lungs.
Officials emphasize civil rights
Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said violence driven by religious hatred would not be tolerated. Dhillon said protecting the civil rights of all Americans was a priority.
Muslim organizations condemn attack
The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the attack and called on public officials to reject anti-Muslim rhetoric. Nihad Awad, the council's national executive director, said portraying Muslims as a threat and as less deserving of equal rights could drive some people toward acts of hatred.
The council said it documented 8,683 complaints of anti-Muslim discrimination in 2025. It said this was the highest number since the organization began keeping records in 1996.
The Utah Muslim Civic League also condemned the attack as a hate crime and praised the bystanders who intervened.
