In brief
In the early hours of Friday, a 27‑year‑old man entered Edmonton’s Nanaksar Gurdwara, confronted staff and stabbed two male patrons before being detained by witnesses. The victims, aged 75 and 51, were treated and are now in stable condition. Police noted the suspect’s prior violent record and recent release from federal prison, but the motive remains unclear. The incident follows earlier threatening calls to Sikh gurdwaras in Calgary, heightening fears of a potential hate crime.
A 27‑year‑old man was arrested after injuring two men in a stabbing attack inside Edmonton’s Nanaksar Gurdwara at about 05:00 local time on Friday.
Police did not identify a motive but said the suspect had a violent history dating back to 2015 and had recently been released from federal prison the day before the incident. He failed to report to his designated halfway house in Edmonton, and was immediately apprehended following the attack.
The attack occurred after police confirmed last week that threatening calls were made to two Sikh gurdwaras in Calgary, raising concerns that Edmonton’s incident could be part of a broader wave of anti‑Sikh hate crimes.
Acting Inspector Eric Stewart told a press conference that “the confrontation escalated, and two worshippers were stabbed.” The 75‑year‑old and 51‑year‑old victims received treatment and are now in stable condition, though the police supplied no further details.
The suspect is known to police and is being held on pending charges. Police are investigating whether the attack was motivated by hateful ideology.
Edmonton Police Chief Warren Driechel urged patience from the public as authorities determine the suspect’s motivations, noting growing concerns about hate crimes and the need to confront them openly.
The World Sikh Organization reported the desecration of a Sikh scripture inside the temple, and the gurdwara remains closed to the public pending investigation.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas condemned the earlier threats, calling them “utterly disgusting” and emphasizing that gurdwaras are places of hospitality where everyone is welcome.
