Peter Larsen Indicted on Federal Hate Crime in Utah Mall Stabbing of Muslim Man 12 Times
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 13
Peter Larsen Indicted on Federal Hate Crime in Utah Mall Stabbing of Muslim Man 12 Times
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 13
Summary
Federal prosecutors in Salt Lake City indicted Peter Larsen, 48, over the July 13 stabbing of a Muslim kiosk vendor at a West Valley City mall; the federal hate-crime count carries a potential life sentence.
Prosecutors said Larsen rode a scooter to the mall, bought a knife, asked the victim if he was Muslim, then stabbed him about a dozen times in the head, chest and arms, causing internal bleeding.
Charging documents say Larsen told authorities he wanted to make an “exhibition of Muslims” and spur people to “rid the country of Muslims,” framing the attack as religion-based.
One bystander who tried to intervene was also stabbed before witnesses subdued Larsen, and he still faces Utah state charges including two counts of attempted aggravated murder.