NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
West Valley City, UT, July 16, 2026: A 48-year-old Utah man has been charged after allegedly stabbing a Muslim mall employee multiple times in what investigators describe as a premeditated, religion-based attack.
According to a newly released police booking affidavit, Peter Michael Larsen, 48, admitted he intentionally targeted the victim “with intent to kill him because of his religion (Muslim).” Investigators also allege Larsen told detectives he believes he is “a catalyst” and “intends to kill Muslims.” Police further wrote that he poses “a substantial danger to the public” because of his “violent actions, ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events.”
Larsen is being held in the Salt Lake County Jail on charges of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.
The victim, identified by friends as Sohail, was working at Magma Diamonds inside Valley Fair Mall on July 13 when Larsen allegedly approached him and struck up a conversation. According to investigators, Larsen asked the employee his name and whether he was Muslim. He then requested a bottle of water. As Sohail turned to retrieve it, Larsen allegedly pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed him.
Responding officers found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds and bleeding profusely. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
Friends say Sohail was stabbed approximately 15 times and has undergone multiple surgeries. A GoFundMe campaign launched by family friends describes him as a devoted husband and father of two young children and the sole breadwinner for his family. The fundraiser says he suffered injuries to his hands, heart and lungs and faces a lengthy recovery.
Authorities said several bystanders quickly intervened, tackling Larsen, disarming him and holding him until police arrived. Their actions are believed to have prevented further injuries.
The allegations outlined in the affidavit have not been proven in court, and Larsen is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center confirmed that Sohail is a member of the congregation and described the incident as a hate crime if the allegations are borne out.
“This was a hate crime which affects the whole entire Muslim community in the valley,” Din said, adding that the attack reflects growing Islamophobia.
Several media outlets have identified Sohail as being of Indian origin, although authorities have not officially confirmed his nationality.
Court records show Larsen has a history of violent offenses. In 2022, he survived after being shot by police when he allegedly pointed a shotgun at officers responding to a fire at his home. He was later convicted of assault on a police officer and sentenced to one to 15 years in prison. In a separate case the same year, he was convicted of aggravated assault after allegedly pulling a gun on a security guard outside a South Salt Lake strip club. According to Utah Board of Pardons records, Larsen was released on parole in January 2025.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation. While police have publicly detailed the alleged anti-Muslim motive, prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek a hate crime sentence enhancement under Utah law.
The case has drawn national attention because investigators allege Larsen first confirmed the victim’s religion before carrying out the attack and later admitted he specifically chose the victim because he was Muslim.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by friends describes Sohail as a hardworking husband and father of two young children who has devoted himself to providing for his family. The fundraiser says he suffered injuries to his hands, heart and lungs in the attack and faces a long road to recovery after multiple surgeries. “Sohail has always been the one to help others without hesitation,” the organizers wrote. “Now it’s our turn to stand beside him.” The campaign will help cover his medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and household bills while he is unable to work.
