A shopping trip at a mall in Utah turned into a violent incident after an Indian-origin Muslim employee was allegedly targeted in what investigators believe was a hate-driven attack.

Police have arrested 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, who now faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon. He remains in custody at the Salt Lake County Jail.

According to investigators, the attack occurred on Monday at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City. Authorities allege Larsen intentionally selected the victim because of his faith and later admitted during questioning that he wanted to target Muslims.

Witnesses said the suspect first engaged the victim in conversation. He reportedly asked where the employee was from before inquiring about his religion. After the worker, identified by friends as Sohail, said he was from India and was Muslim, Larsen allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked him.

A nearby jewellery store employee, Luna Nunez, said the assault began immediately after Sohail answered the questions. Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center said the suspect had also requested a bottle of water. As Sohail turned to help him, the knife attack allegedly began.

A fundraising campaign created to support the victim's family states that Sohail was stabbed 15 times. He has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition.

Before law enforcement officers arrived, several shoppers and mall employees intervened, overpowering the suspect and restraining him until police took him into custody. Investigators later described Larsen as a significant threat to public safety, citing both the nature of the assault and statements indicating violent extremist intentions.

Larsen received medical treatment for injuries sustained while being restrained before being transferred to jail.

Friends and colleagues described Sohail as the sole earning member of his family, supporting his wife and two young children. Those close to him said he does not have medical insurance, making his recovery even more challenging.

His manager, Adnan Mohammed, condemned the attack, calling it a senseless act of hatred. He remembered Sohail as a dedicated employee with a cheerful personality and said the incident had devastated everyone who knew him.

Nunez, who witnessed the attack, recalled trying to stop the suspect by throwing nearby objects while fearing for Sohail's life. She also said several workers later told her the suspect had been walking through the mall asking people about their religion before the stabbing.

The incident comes amid continuing concerns raised by civil rights organisations over an increase in anti-Muslim hate incidents in the United States, linked to factors including anti-immigrant sentiment, extremist ideologies and geopolitical tensions.