Prosecutors file attempted aggravated murder charges in stabbing of Muslim man in Utah
WASHINGTON: Prosecutors in a Utah county announced the filing of two attempted aggravated murder charges on Friday against a man who police said had stabbed a Muslim man multiple times earlier this week because of the victim’s religion.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said the defendant, Peter Michael Larsen, was charged with two counts of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder over Monday’s knife attack at the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City.
“In the filed information document, notices are given for a potential hate crime, the defendant as a habitual violent offender, and use of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person,” Gill’s office said in a statement.
“An alleged unprovoked attack on anyone in our community is unacceptable, but an attack allegedly motivated because of the victim’s religion is alarming,” Gill added.
