Peter Larsen, 48, of Orem, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, for a federal hate crime involving a July 13 stabbing at the West Valley Mall. The indictment alleges Larsen willfully caused bodily injury to a victim because of the victim's actual or perceived religion.
Details of the July Attack
The indictment follows an attack on July 13, 2026, at the West Valley Mall in West Valley City. According to court documents, police responded to the mall on reports of a stabbing and located a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds, including wounds to the neck. As Gephardt Daily reported, the victim was a worker at a kiosk within the mall.
Investigations conducted by the West Valley Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation determined that Larsen harbored anti-Muslim views and traveled to the mall specifically for the purpose of attacking Muslims. Court documents state that Larsen purchased a knife from a store inside the mall and proceeded to ask mall employees if they were Muslim. When the victim responded that he was Muslim, Larsen began stabbing him.
Intervention and Potential Sentencing
The stabbing was only halted when bystanders intervened. These individuals detained Larsen until police arrived at the scene. Larsen has remained in state custody since his initial arrest on July 13, 2026.
If convicted of the federal hate crime charge, Larsen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Justice Department Response
The U.S. Department of Justice released a statement regarding the indictment, emphasizing the administration's commitment to protecting civil rights. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division stated that the administration prioritizes protecting the civil rights of all Americans and will not tolerate violence motivated by religious hatred.
Dhillon also expressed gratitude to the law enforcement partners and the bystanders who intervened to stop the attack, pledging support to the victim during his recovery.
Impact on the Community
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah characterized the incident as a "heinous attempted murder" and stated that the office has zero tolerance for hate-fueled violence. She noted that anti-Muslim violence is a crime that will be met with the full force of federal law to ensure justice for the victim and the broader Muslim community.
Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office remarked that hate-fueled violence sends fear throughout an entire community and harms more than just the individual targeted. Bohls stated the FBI will work closely with partners to ensure accountability and a thorough investigation.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Larsen's initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for Aug. 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The hearing will take place in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda and Trial Attorney Milos Jovanovic of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
