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Utah Man Indicted on Federal Hate Crime Charge Following West Valley Mall Stabbing

Peter Larsen faces a hate crime charge after allegedly targeting and stabbing a Muslim worker in July 2026.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 12, 2026, 11:02 p.m. ETWritten Aug 20, 2026, 5:25 p.m. ET
A federal grand jury in Utah has indicted 48-year-old Peter Larsen of Orem on a federal hate crime charge of willfully causing bodily injury to a victim because of actual or perceived religion, according to an official record released on August 12, 2026, by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah. The matter remains undecided and is currently at the charging stage. According to court documents, police responded on July 13, 2026, to reports of a stabbing at the West Valley Mall in West Valley City, Utah. Officers found a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds, including to his neck. Investigators determined that Larsen harbored anti-Muslim views and entered the mall specifically to attack Muslims. Larsen allegedly purchased a knife at a mall store, walked around asking employees if they were Muslim, and began stabbing the victim after the worker confirmed he was Muslim. Bystanders intervened and detained Larsen until police arrived. Larsen has remained in custody since July 13. Officials condemned the attack following the indictment. "This administration prioritizes protecting the civil rights of all Americans, and we will not tolerate violence motivated by religious hatred," said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Melissa Holyoak, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, said: "This administration, my office, and our law enforcement partners have zero tolerance for hate fueled violence, particularly this heinous attempted murder. Anti Muslim violence is a crime, and it will be met with the full force of federal law to ensure justice for the victim and the broader Muslim community." Robert Bohls, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, added: "We are deeply mindful of the impact this attack has had on the victim and their family. No one should be targeted with violence because of their religion or faith. Hate-fueled violence harms more than one individual; it sends fear throughout and entire community." If convicted, Larsen faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for August 13, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City.

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  1. Version 120 Aug 2026, 21:25current

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