Utah Man Indicted on Hate Crime Charge for Stabbing at West Valley Mall

Peter Larsen, 48, of Orem, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the federal hate crime of willfully causing bodily injury to a victim because of his actual or perceived religion, in relation to a July 13, stabbing at the West Valley Mall in West Valley City, Utah. The defendant has been detained in state custody since his arrest on July 13. According to court documents, on July 13, police responded to the West Valley Mall for reports of a stabbing. The victim was located inside the mall suffering from multiple stab wounds, including to his neck. An investigation determined that the defendant harbored anti-Muslim views and went to the West Valley Mall specifically for the purpose of attacking Muslims. The defendant purchased a knife from a store inside the mall and went around asking mall employees if they were Muslim. When the victim responded that he was, the defendant began stabbing him. The attack was only stopped through the intervention of bystanders, who detained the defendant until police arrived. “This administration prioritizes protecting the civil rights of all Americans, and we will not tolerate violence motivated by religious hatred,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We thank our law-enforcement partners and those who heroically intervened to stop this attack, and we especially pledge our support to the victim in his recovery.” “Our thoughts are with the victim and the victim’s family, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah. “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.” “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,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. “Hate-fueled violence harms more than one individual; it sends fear throughout an entire community. The FBI will work closely with our partners to support the victim and ensure this case is thoroughly investigated and ensure accountability.” If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the West Valley Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Esqueda for the District of Utah and Trial Attorney Milos Jovanovic of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.