Utah Man Indicted for Hate Crime Following Mall Stabbing
(Washington, D.C. = Alex Walczak) Peter Larsen, a 48-year-old resident of Orem, Utah, has been indicted on federal hate crime charges related to a stabbing incident at the West Valley Mall on July 13, 2026.
Larsen was taken into custody by state police shortly after the incident and has remained detained since. According to court documents, police responded to reports of a stabbing at the West Valley Mall, where they found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds, including injuries to the neck.
Investigations revealed that Larsen held anti-Muslim views and specifically targeted the mall to attack Muslims. He purchased a knife from a store within the mall and began questioning employees about their religion. Upon confirming that the victim was Muslim, Larsen attacked him with the knife. The assault was halted by the quick actions of bystanders who intervened and restrained Larsen until law enforcement arrived.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans, stating, “We will not tolerate violence motivated by religious hatred.” She expressed gratitude to the citizens who intervened and pledged support for the victim’s recovery.
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah extended condolences to the victim and his family, wishing for a swift recovery. She reiterated the office’s zero-tolerance policy towards hate-fueled violence, particularly anti-Muslim acts, and affirmed that such crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls acknowledged the profound impact of the attack on the victim and his family, asserting that no one should face violence due to their faith. He assured that the FBI would conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
If convicted, Larsen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine the sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Esqueda and Trial Attorney Milos Jovanovic from the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
