A federal grand jury has indicted a 48-year-old Utah man on a hate crime charge stemming from the stabbing of a Muslim mall worker in West Valley City. Prosecutors allege the attack was deliberately motivated by hostility toward Muslims.
Peter Larsen of Orem, Utah, was indicted on August 12 for allegedly causing bodily injury to the victim because of his actual or perceived religion. Larsen has remained in state custody since his arrest on July 13.
Prosecutors Say Attack Was Targeted at Muslims
According to court documents, police responded to the West Valley Mall on July 13 after receiving reports of a stabbing. The victim was found inside the shopping center with multiple stab wounds, including injuries to his neck.
Investigators allege Larsen had anti-Muslim views and entered the mall intending to target Muslim people. Prosecutors say he bought a knife from a store inside the mall and approached employees, asking whether they were Muslim.
When the victim identified himself as Muslim, Larsen allegedly attacked him with the knife. The assault was stopped after bystanders intervened and restrained the suspect until police arrived.
Federal Hate Crime Charges Carry Serious Penalties
The federal indictment adds a hate crime charge based on the alleged religious motivation behind the attack. Federal officials said violence driven by religious hatred will be prosecuted under federal civil rights law.
If convicted, Larsen could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A federal judge would determine any eventual sentence based on federal sentencing guidelines and other applicable factors.
The investigation was conducted by the West Valley Police Department and the FBI. Federal prosecutors are handling the case through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
The indictment is an allegation, and Larsen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
