A federal grand jury in Utah indicted a man Wednesday on a federal hate crime charge for allegedly stabbing a Muslim employee at a mall in an attack prosecutors say was motivated by the victim’s religion.

Peter Michael Larsen, 48, was charged under 18 USC § 249 with willfully causing bodily injury because of the victim’s actual or perceived religion. The indictment alleges that the offense included an attempt to kill and involved a dangerous weapon.

Federal law requires the charged offense to have a connection to interstate or foreign commerce. Prosecutors allege that requirement is satisfied because the knife Larsen used had traveled in interstate or foreign commerce and because the attack interfered with the victim’s commercial activity. Because the indictment also alleges that Larsen attempted to kill the victim, he could face up to life in prison if convicted.

According to the US Department of Justice, Larsen went to Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City on July 13 with the purpose of attacking Muslims. Prosecutors said he bought a knife inside the mall and began asking employees whether they were Muslim. When the victim said he was Muslim, Larsen allegedly began stabbing him.

The state charging document alleges that the victim suffered about a dozen stab wounds, including wounds to his chest, arm and scalp. Witnesses told investigators that several bystanders intervened during the attack and eventually restrained Larsen. The victim was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. The filing also alleges that Larsen cut one man who tried to help the victim and later pointed the knife at him and said, “you are next.”

The filing details statements Larsen allegedly made to investigators after his arrest. Prosecutors said Larsen told police that he had planned the night before to go to the mall and target Muslims. He allegedly said he wanted the attack to encourage others to act against what he called the “Muslim infestation.”

Larsen also faces state charges arising from the July attack. Salt Lake County prosecutors charged him with two counts of first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder and one count of third-degree felony prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. The state filing also gives notice of a potential hate crime enhancement and alleges that Larsen qualifies as a habitual violent offender based on previous felony convictions.

Larsen has remained in state custody since his July 13 arrest. The federal case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. An indictment contains allegations, and Larsen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.