The Edmonton Police Service has arrested a 27-year-old man following a stabbing with a screwdriver on the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara early Friday morning.
At 4.49 am, police obtained experiences of a person strolling in visitors on Freeway 15 close to Horsehill Street. Shortly after, round 5 am, officers started receiving calls a few stabbing on the gurdwara situated close to 14 Avenue and Horsehill Street.
Police mentioned the suspect entered the gurdwara and tried to entry the prayer space earlier than being confronted by employees. The confrontation escalated, and two male patrons had been stabbed with a screwdriver.
Witnesses intervened, restrained the suspect and held him till patrol officers arrived at 5.10 am to take him into custody.
Emergency Medical Providers handled and transported a 75-year-old man and a 51-year-old man to hospital with non-life-threatening accidents.
The EPS Investigative Response Group has taken over the case and is working with the Hate Crimes Unit to find out whether or not the assault was hate-motivated. Prices are pending in opposition to the suspect.
In line with particulars shared by EPS Police Chief Warren Drieche, the incident may have been far worse.
“We’re grateful that this morning’s occasion didn’t end in extra important accidents or deaths but additionally recognise that the trauma skilled by the victims and their neighborhood can’t be understated. This stage of violence has no place in our metropolis, and we wish to make sure the Sikh neighborhood and all Edmontonians that we’re taking this incident and their security, critically.”
Authorities confirmed that the accused had been launched from jail simply sooner or later earlier and has a historical past of violence courting again greater than a decade. His identify has not been launched as fees are nonetheless pending.
Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the incident, calling the assault on the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton “appalling”. He expressed his ideas for the 2 injured folks and the broader neighborhood shaken by the incident.
“Nobody ought to ever really feel unsafe of their place of worship. I wish to thank the Edmonton Police Service for his or her swift response,” Carney mentioned.
The assault on the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton this morning is appalling. My ideas are with the 2 individuals who had been injured and the broader neighborhood that’s shaken by this horrible occasion.
Nobody ought to ever really feel unsafe of their place of worship. I wish to thank the Edmonton…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) August 21, 2026
The World Sikh Group of Canada (WSO) condemned the violent assault.
The WSO mentioned it was awaiting additional details about the circumstances and motive behind the assault, including that the incident comes at an alarming time for Sikhs in Alberta.
It additionally mentioned Calgary police had confirmed they had been investigating threatening calls made to 2 Sikh gurdwaras in northeast Calgary, together with threats directed on the Dashmesh Tradition Centre.
