A man is in custody following a stabbing at Valley Fair Mall on Monday afternoon. According to police, the suspect allegedly admitted to attempting to kill a man due to his religion.
Peter Larsen, 48, was taken into custody after officers responded to the West Valley City mall and found a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Police stated that the suspect approached a kiosk worker for a brief interaction before pulling out a knife and stabbing him. The victim was heavily bleeding and transported to a hospital in critical condition, where he underwent surgery. His current medical status is unknown.
Court documents indicate that bystanders at the mall pinned Larsen to the ground and removed his knife before police arrived. During the incident, Larsen was punched in the head by bystanders. After being treated at a hospital, Larsen was taken to a police station for an interview.
According to the probable cause document, Larsen admitted to targeting the victim and attempting to kill him because he is Muslim. Police also stated they believe he was planning to commit mass casualty events in an attempt to kill Muslims.
Larsen was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. He faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited dangerous weapon.
