Utah man arrested after alleged anti-Muslim stabbing at mall

A man has been arrested in Utah, United States, after allegedly stabbing a Muslim man multiple times inside a shopping mall in a religion-motivated attack. 

The incident occurred at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, where the victim, a Muslim kiosk worker, suffered multiple stab wounds and was left in critical condition.

Police identified the suspect as Peter Michael Larsen, 48. Larsen allegedly told police he had targeted the victim with the intent to kill him because of his religion. 

Reports said the suspect approached the victim, asked his name and religion, and requested a bottle of water before the attack took place. 

The victim was rushed to a hospital and remained in critical condition following the stabbing.

The incident has drawn condemnation from Muslim advocacy groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which called for accountability and raised concerns over rising cases of anti-Muslim hatred.