2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 15
Summary
A Utah court affidavit says Peter Michael Larsen, 48, told police he stabbed a Muslim mall worker because of the victim’s religion and intended to kill Muslims.
At Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City on Monday, Larsen repeatedly stabbed kiosk worker Syed Sohail Uddin until bystanders pinned him down and took his knife, according to the filing.
Uddin was hospitalized with wounds across his body, and a trauma team was closely monitoring his heart, his boss and family friend Adnan Mohammed said.
Larsen was booked Monday on suspicion of attempted murder, though charges had not been filed by Wednesday afternoon; the affidavit argued releasing him would be dangerous given his violent actions and stated ideology.
As hate crimes surge, why does the U.S. counterterrorism strategy no longer prioritize far-right threats?
When rehabilitation fails, how can communities be protected from offenders driven by violent ideologies?
Valley Fair Mall Stabbing: Religious Hate Crime Against Muslim Worker Sparks Community Outcry and Highlights Rising Islamophobia in the U.S.
Overview
On July 13, 2026, Peter Michael Larsen stabbed Syed Sohail Uddin multiple times at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City and was quickly apprehended by police. By the next day, Larsen admitted he targeted Uddin because he is Muslim, and police revealed that Larsen had planned mass casualty events against Muslims. Larsen described his actions as religiously motivated, seeing himself as a 'catalyst' for violence. Authorities concluded that Larsen poses a significant danger to the public due to his violent actions and extremist motives, highlighting growing concerns about anti-Muslim sentiment and targeted hate crimes in the community.