A 48-year-old Utah man has been jailed on attempted murder charges after stabbing a Muslim kiosk worker 15 times at a shopping centre in West Valley City on Monday, telling police he singled out the victim because of his faith.
Peter Michael Larsen admitted he intended to kill Muslims and deliberately targeted the victim at Valley Fair Mall, authorities said. The victim, identified as 37-year-old Syed Sohail Uddin, was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery and remained in critical condition. Bystanders restrained Larsen until officers arrived.
Larsen was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited dangerous weapon following the July 14 attack.