Utah man arrested after allegedly targeting Muslim kiosk worker in stabbing

Rights groups condemn the attack and warn against recent anti-immigration rhetoric.A man has been arrested in the western United States after allegedly stabbing a Muslim man multiple times inside a shopping mall, telling investigators he targeted the victim because of his religion and he “intends to kill Muslims”, according to court records.Police said the attack, which took place on Monday at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City in the state of Utah, appeared to have been motivated by religious hatred. In a court affidavit released on Tuesday, investigators said the suspect “targeted the victim because of the victim’s religion” and warned that he posed “a substantial danger to the public if released based on his violent actions, … ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events”.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Could the US take control of Iran’s southern islands?list 2 of 4‘Cycle of chaos’: Israel killing Gaza civil officials to derail its futurelist 3 of 4Why has Lindsey Graham’s sister inherited his Senate seat after his death?list 4 of 4Israeli air attack on Gaza apartment kills family of threeend of listOfficers responding to the scene found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds and “bleeding profusely”, the affidavit said. Police said bystanders restrained the suspect until officers arrived.The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, according to jail records.Investigators said Larsen admitted he had “targeted the victim with intent to kill him because of his religion (Muslim)”.The victim, who worked at a kiosk in the mall, was approached by the suspect, who asked his name, inquired about his religion and requested a bottle of water, according to the Salt Lake Tribune, which quoted Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah-islamic-center" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="165631" data-entity-type="organization">Utah Islamic Center, who has been in contact with the victim’s family.