A suspect was detained in Utah after repeatedly stabbing a Muslim man, with authorities stating the attack was driven by religious hatred according to court records released Tuesday.

The individual told police he intends to kill Muslims and described himself as a significant danger to society if freed, pointing to his aggressive actions, ideologies, and plans for mass casualty incidents.

The assault happened at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City on Monday. The male victim, a Muslim kiosk employee, sustained multiple stab wounds throughout his body and was bleeding heavily, police noted in an affidavit.

Bystanders held the suspect down until officers arrived.

Peter Michael Larsen, 48, was booked into Salt Lake County jail on charges of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. The victim worked at a mall kiosk.

Larsen stated he chose the victim to kill him because of his Muslim religion, the booking affidavit said.

Suspect approached victim during shift

The attacker walked up to the Muslim employee, asked his name and religion, and requested a bottle of water, according to Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center, who had spoken with the victim's family.

When the victim turned to get the water, the stabbing started, Din reported.

The victim was hospitalized in critical condition. A friend created a GoFundMe page noting the man suffered 15 stab wounds and required surgeries.

The attacker was also treated at a hospital for injuries from being subdued by witnesses before his booking.

Muslim advocacy groups including the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the attack.

Rights advocates have documented rising Islamophobia over the past two decades since the 2001 attacks and more recently tied to immigration policies, white supremacy, and reactions to the conflict in Gaza.

Recent deadly cases include the 2023 stabbing of a 6-year-old Muslim child in Illinois, where the killer received a 53-year sentence and died in custody, and a 2026 shooting at a San Diego mosque that killed five people including two teenage suspects.