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A Utah man told police he repeatedly stabbed a Muslim man because of the man’s faith and intended to kill him, according to court records filed Monday.<\/p>\n
The Muslim man survived the attack Monday afternoon at a mall southeast of Salt Lake City. But he’s expected to face a long recovery after suffering more than 15 stab wounds, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help with medical expenses.<\/p>\n
Bystanders were able to get the knife out of the suspect’s hand before police arrived at the scene at Valley Fair Mall, court records show. <\/p>\n
The suspect, Peter Michael Larsen, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and carrying a prohibited dangerous weapon. He told police he targeted the employee over his religious beliefs, according to the court records, which didn’t list an attorney who could comment on his behalf. <\/p>\n
The Associated Press was unable to locate any of Larsen’s immediate family in public records. <\/p>\n
The Valley Fair Mall did not immediately respond to email and voicemail requests for comment.<\/p>\n
Larsen, 48, was on parole for a previous violent felony, court records show. He is being held without bail. <\/p>\n
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, whose office is determining whether to pursue charges, declined to comment.<\/p>\n
“We don\u2019t want to say anything else until we receive the results of the investigation,\u201d Gill said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim advocacy group, called on elected officials to reject anti-Muslim rhetoric.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur nation\u2019s political and community leaders have a moral responsibility to reject anti-Muslim hate in all its forms before more innocent people are harmed,\u201d Nihad Awad, the organization’s national executive director, said in a statement.<\/p>\n