US Mall Stabber Asked Faith Of Multiple People Before Attack, Later Confessed ‘Intended To Kill Muslims’
US Mall Stabber Asked Faith Of Multiple People Before Attack, Later Confessed ‘Intended To Kill Muslims’ Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 08:21 IST
US Mall Stabber Asked Faith Of Multiple People Before Attack, Later Confessed ‘Intended To Kill Muslims’ Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 08:21 IST A Utah man, Peter Michael Larsen, stabbed a Muslim mall worker, Sohail, 15 times, allegedly due to his religion. Larsen told investigators he "intends to kill Muslims. Image of victim Sohail and the US mall stabbing accused Peter Michael Larsen. A 48-year-old Utah man, Peter Michael Larsen, accused of stabbing a Muslim mall worker at least 15 times allegedly targeted the victim because of his religion and later told investigators he “intends to kill Muslims", as reported by The Independent. The accused had also asked several other people about their religion before launching the brutal attack on the mall worker, as per a witness. The attack took place on Monday at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, where the victim, identified by friends in local media as Sohail, worked at a kiosk. He remains in critical condition after undergoing multiple surgeries. ‘Are You Muslim?’ According to investigators, Larsen approached Sohail and initiated a conversation before asking about his religion.
Witnesses told police that Larsen had also been walking around the mall, questioning multiple people about their faith before the attack. Also Read: ‘I’m Muslim’: Indian Man Attacked With Knife In US, Fights For Life After Multiple Surgeries Luna Nunez, who works at a nearby jewellery store, told ABC’s Salt Lake City affiliate that Larsen first asked the victim where he was from. “He [Larsen] asked, ‘where are you from’, and he told him, ‘I’m from India, my name’s Sohail.’ Larsen said ‘are you Muslim’, and Sohail said yes, and he just began stabbing him," Nunez said. Nunez added that she had heard from other mall workers that the accused was roaming around and asking multiple people about their religion. Utah Islamic Centre Imam Shuaib Din told the Salt Lake Tribune that Larsen had also asked Sohail for a bottle of water. As the victim turned to retrieve it, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife and began stabbing him. By-Standers Tackle Attacker A GoFundMe campaign created by Nunez says Sohail was stabbed 15 times. As per the court documents, responding officers found him suffering from multiple stab wounds and bleeding heavily.
In a video, the bystanders were seen tackling and overpowering the attacker after the stabbing incident. Before police arrived, bystanders tackled Larsen and restrained him, preventing the assault from continuing. Larsen later received treatment at a hospital for injuries sustained while being subdued before being taken into custody. ‘Intends To Kill Muslims’ He was subsequently booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, according to jail records. Also Read: Indian Man Stabbed 15 Times In US Mall Attack Was Targeted For Being Muslim: Police In a booking affidavit, investigators said Larsen poses “a substantial danger to the public" because of his “violent actions … ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events." The court documents further allege that he admitted targeting the victim because he was Muslim and told investigators he “intends to kill Muslims." Police are continuing to investigate the incident. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What legal consequences will Peter Larsen face? Peter Michael Larsen faces charges including attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.
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