WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (Diya TV) — A shopping trip at a Utah mall turned violent after a man allegedly stabbed a kiosk employee because of his religion, according to police and court documents. Investigators said the suspect admitted he targeted the victim because he was Muslim. Authorities have now charged him with attempted murder and other offenses.

The attack happened Monday inside Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City. Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen. Investigators said Larsen approached the employee, started a conversation, and asked about his religion before launching the attack.

Witnesses said the victim, identified by friends as Sohail, told Larsen that he was from India. Larsen then asked if he was Muslim. After Sohail answered yes, Larsen allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked him.

Luna Nunez, who works at a nearby jewelry store, described the frightening moments in interviews with local media. She said Larsen first asked Sohail where he came from. Sohail replied that he was from India and shared his name. Larsen then asked if he was Muslim. As soon as Sohail confirmed his faith, Larsen allegedly began stabbing him.

Utah Islamic Center Imam Shuaib Din told the Salt Lake Tribune that Larsen had also asked Sohail for a bottle of water. As Sohail turned to help him, Larsen allegedly took out a knife and carried out the attack.

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Nunez said Sohail suffered 15 stab wounds. He has undergone several surgeries and remains in critical condition. Friends said he is the only income earner in his family. They also said he has a wife and two young children who depend on him.

Meanwhile, several shoppers and mall workers quickly stepped in to stop the violence. Witnesses tackled Larsen and held him on the ground until officers arrived. Their actions likely prevented more injuries, according to investigators.

Police later arrested Larsen at the scene. Authorities also treated him for injuries that he received while people restrained him. He now remains in the Salt Lake County jail.

Court documents said Larsen admitted he deliberately targeted the victim because he was Muslim. Investigators also said he told them that he “intends to kill Muslims.” Because of those statements, prosecutors charged him with attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.

Investigators further said Larsen poses “a substantial danger to the public.” They pointed to his alleged violent actions, extremist views, and references to pre-planned mass casualty events while asking the court to keep him in custody.

The attack shocked workers throughout the mall. Many described Sohail as a friendly and hardworking employee who treated customers with kindness.

His manager, Adnan Mohammed, strongly condemned the violence. He called the stabbing a hate crime and said there is no place for hatred in any community. Mohammed also praised Sohail’s work ethic. He said Sohail always smiled, laughed, and worked hard. Because of his dedication, Mohammed promoted him to manage daily operations at the kiosk.

Mohammed also spoke about the emotional impact of the attack. He said hurting one person also harms an entire family. In another interview, he said he wished he had been there to protect Sohail and would have risked his own life to do so.

Nunez also recalled the terrifying scene. She said she threw anything she could find, including shoes and a chair, in an effort to stop the attack. She said she feared Sohail would die because Larsen continued stabbing him with great force.

After the incident, other mall employees told Nunez they had seen Larsen walking around the shopping center and asking several people about their religion before the stabbing. Investigators continue to examine those accounts as part of the case.

The case has also renewed concerns about anti-Muslim hate crimes in the United States. Civil rights groups have repeatedly warned about rising anti-Muslim incidents over the past several years. They have linked the trend to anti-immigration rhetoric, white supremacist activity, and tensions surrounding the war in Gaza.