SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah man has been indicted on a federal hate crime charge for allegedly stabbing a Muslim man multiple times inside a West Valley City mall, officials announced Wednesday.
A federal grand jury indicted Peter Larsen, 48, of Orem, on a charge of willfully causing bodily injury to a victim because of his actual or perceived religion, according to the Justice Department.
Larsen has remained in state custody since his July 13 arrest.
An indictment is an allegation. Click here to read indictment: DOJ
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Quick Fact Checklist
- Defendant: Peter Larsen, 48
- Residence: Orem, Utah
- Federal charge: Willfully causing bodily injury because of the victim’s actual or perceived religion
- Incident date: July 13, 2026
- Location: West Valley Mall in West Valley City, Utah
- Alleged motive: Anti-Muslim hatred
- Victim’s injuries: Multiple stab wounds, including one to the neck
- Arrest: July 13, 2026
- Custody status: Detained in state custody
- Maximum federal penalty: Life in prison
- Investigating agencies: West Valley City police and FBI
- Case status: Indicted; allegations have not been proven in court
According to court documents, police responding to reports of a stabbing at West Valley Mall found the victim suffering from multiple wounds, including one to his neck.
Investigators allege Larsen held anti-Muslim views and went to the mall intending to attack Muslims. He allegedly purchased a knife from a store inside the mall and walked around asking employees whether they were Muslim.
When the victim said he was Muslim, Larsen allegedly began stabbing him, court documents state.
Bystanders intervened, restrained Larsen and held him until police arrived.
If convicted, Larsen faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. A judge would determine any sentence based on federal guidelines and other statutory factors.
The West Valley City Police Department and FBI investigated the case.